Key Takeaways:

• Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat is being investigated for unusual betting activity linked to a March 2023 game.
• No criminal charges have been filed against Rozier; he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
• The investigation stems from patterns identified by U.S. Integrity, raising concerns about illegal sports gambling.
• Rozier's performance in that game caused backlash among bettors who felt misled regarding his playtime.
• This inquiry parallels a separate case involving former NBA player Jontay Porter, who has been banned for life.

MIAMI (AP) — Terry Rozier, currently a guard for the Miami Heat, is under investigation by federal authorities due to unusual betting patterns related to his performance during a game played on March 23, 2023, when he was still with the Charlotte Hornets. This inquiry, being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, is linked to a broader federal investigation into illegal gambling that has already implicated former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter, who faces serious legal proceedings and has been banned from the NBA for similar allegations.

According to USA Today, the NBA was first alerted to irregular betting activity involving Rozier’s performance in a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, which resulted in a 115-96 loss for the Hornets. Rozier, who typically averaged over 21 points per game that season, played a mere 9 minutes and 34 seconds and finished with only five points, leading to suspicions among bettors and sportsbook operators.

The investigation gained traction when U.S. Integrity, a firm monitoring sports betting, flagged significant anomalies in wagering patterns surrounding Rozier's performance. Many sportsbooks reacted by halting bets on Rozier’s player prop bets the day of the game, with some bettors expressing frustration online due to unexpected changes in the betting options available to them. Despite this, Rozier has not been formally accused of wrongdoing. He has maintained his innocence and has indicated that he feels focused on basketball despite the ongoing investigation, stating, “It’s kind of always been easy. It’s kind of been my life,” as reported by AP News.

While the NBA's internal investigation previously found no violation of their rules, they are cooperating fully with federal authorities looking into the matter. Rozier’s legal counsel is confident of his eventual clearance, highlighting that their earlier investigation found no wrongdoing. As he continues to maintain his performance level on the court, he is determined to focus on his game amidst these legal concerns.

Portraying himself as an innocent bystander, Rozier emphasized his need to concentrate on basketball, showing a resilient attitude toward the pressures of the investigation.

For ongoing updates regarding this developing situation and more about the NBA, visit AP NBA.