NBA free agent Terry Rozier is contesting federal sports bribery and honest-services wire fraud conspiracy charges in a Brooklyn case while also facing an arbitration ruling that could strip him of most of his $26.6 million 2025-2026 salary with the Miami Heat.
Here’s What Happened
On June 10, Rozier, a guard who came to the Miami Heat in January 2024 after spending more than four seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, and a judge scheduled his trial for Feb. 8.
The 32-year-old’s troubles began when he was arrested in connection with the illegal scheme on Oct. 23, the day after the Heat’s season-opening game in Orlando. The NBA quickly responded by placing Rozier on administrative suspension, and the Heat began listing him as “not with the team” and halted salary payments to him, the Miami Herald reports.
When Rozier appealed the suspension an arbitrator ruled in his favor, and his entire season salary was released to him in February. But by May the same arbitrator ruled in the Heat’s favor, determining Rozier had been in breach of contract nearly all season and must return nearly all of the $26.6 million. The arbitrator’s new ruling came to light in court filings this month.
Rozier’s bond conditions reportedly restrict him from contacting the Hornets, a limitation his defense attorney argues could hinder his ability to pursue future employment in the league as the free agency season opens on June 30. (An NBA player would have to play against the Hornets at least twice per season.)
The charges stem from allegations that Rozier accepted a $100,000 bribe tied to a March 23, 2023, game between the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans, according to NBC News.
Prosecutors allege Rozier told bettors he would leave the game early with an injury, allowing them to place more than $200,000 in wagers on his statistical unders.
Rozier played only 9 and a half minutes before exiting the game.
He is also accused of working with co-defendants Marves Fairley, De’Niro Laster, and Shane Hennen as part of the scheme. Prosecutors further claim Rozier’s expected payout was reduced from $100,000 to $70,000 after he exceeded certain statistical expectations during the game.
Prosecutors say Rozier deprived both the NBA and the Hornets of his honest and faithful services.
The case is part of a broader federal gambling investigation that has implicated more than 30 individuals, including former NBA player and coach Damon Jones, who pleaded guilty in April.
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, also one of defendants indicted in the federal probe, has denied wrongdoing. Billups now is on indefinite suspension from the team.
Rozier was waived just before the season ended after not playing all season.