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[Jolly Sports News] Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is reportedly under federal investigation for a potential connection to the illegal gambling ring linked to former NBA player Jontay Porter.
According to The Wall Street Journal, investigators are examining whether Rozier may have manipulated his performance in a game during the 2022-23 season as part of a sports betting scheme.
The game in question took place on March 23, 2023, when Rozier, then with the Charlotte Hornets, played just 10 minutes in a 115-96 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans before exiting with a foot injury. He did not play in the final eight games of the season.
While Rozier has not been directly accused of wrongdoing, reports indicate that members of the gambling ring that conspired with Porter also placed heavy bets against Rozier before that game. Notably, sportsbooks had removed prop bets involving Rozier before tipoff, sparking speculation among bettors at the time.
The NBA addressed the situation in a statement Thursday, revealing that its internal investigation found no rule violations but confirming cooperation with federal authorities.
“The league conducted an investigation and did not find a violation of NBA rules. We are now aware of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York related to this matter and have been cooperating with that investigation,” the statement read.
This comes in the wake of Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban from the NBA after it was revealed he provided confidential information to bettors and placed wagers, including against his own team. Porter later pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and awaits sentencing.
Rozier, who was traded to Miami a year ago in exchange for Kyle Lowry and a draft pick, has two years remaining on his four-year, $96 million contract. In his first full season with the Heat, the 30-year-old is averaging 12.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.
