Miami, FL — Veteran NBA guard Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat is under federal investigation regarding unusual betting patterns observed during a game played on March 23, 2023, while he was still part of the Charlotte Hornets. This inquiry is part of a broader investigation into illegal sports gambling that has already resulted in the lifetime ban of former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York is closely scrutinizing Rozier’s conduct, specifically related to the bets placed on his performance during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans, where he played only 9 minutes and 34 seconds before leaving with a purported foot injury. The game ended in a 115-96 loss for the Hornets, a performance that fell well below Rozier's season average of 21.1 points per game.

Confirming the examination, NBA spokesperson Mike Bass stated, “In March 2023, the NBA was alerted to unusual betting activity related to Terry Rozier’s performance” and added that prior investigations conducted by the league found no violations of its rules. As part of the current probe, the NBA is cooperating fully with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The investigation was reportedly initiated after U.S. Integrity, an organization monitoring betting markets, flagged Rozier's game activity as anomalous, resulting in several sportsbooks halting any further bets on his performance that night. Rozier, despite the ongoing inquiry, has not been formally charged with any wrongdoing.

Legal representatives for Rozier maintain that the NBA's initial findings confirm their client's integrity, emphasizing confidence that the ongoing investigation will reveal no misconduct. One of Rozier’s attorneys stated, “We are confident that the ongoing government investigation will arrive at the exact same conclusion as the NBA's findings."

With a history totaling over $133 million in career earnings and a significant contract with the Heat, Rozier's established presence in the league raises the stakes of the investigation, not only for him but also for the broader implications this could have on athletes in professional sports. The scrutiny surrounding Rozier is fueled by the allegations of performance manipulation, similar to those levied against Porter, who faces criminal charges in connection with an organized gambling scheme.

This unfolding situation draws attention to the increasingly complicated relationship between sports, gambling, and player integrity in a landscape where betting is rapidly evolving.

For more information, you can read the full articles on AP News, USA Today, and The Daily Beast.