Key takeaways:

• Terry Rozier is being investigated by federal prosecutors for unusual betting activity during a March 2023 game.
• The probe is related to an ongoing investigation into illegal sports betting, which has already implicated former NBA player Jontay Porter.
• Rozier played only 9:34 minutes in the game against the New Orleans Pelicans, raising suspicions about his performance.
• Despite the investigation, Rozier has not faced any charges and continues to focus on his career with the Miami Heat.

MIAMI (AP) — Federal prosecutors are investigating Terry Rozier, currently a guard for the Miami Heat, in connection with unusual betting patterns that surfaced during a game he played with the Charlotte Hornets against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 23, 2023. This investigation is part of a broader federal inquiry into illegal sports gambling practices that have already led to the lifetime ban of former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter, who is facing criminal charges for manipulating game outcomes relating to prop bets. The NBA has confirmed that it was alerted to irregular betting activities tied to Rozier's performance during that game.

"In March 2023, the NBA was alerted to unusual betting activity related to Terry Rozier’s performance in a game between Charlotte and New Orleans," said NBA spokesman Mike Bass. The league conducted its own investigation at the time and found no violation of NBA rules but is now cooperating with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, which is pursuing the matter further.

The game in question resulted in a 115-96 loss for the Hornets, during which Rozier played a mere 9 minutes and 34 seconds due to a cited foot injury, despite averaging 21.1 points and 35.3 minutes per game that season. He left a significant number of gamblers frustrated as reports emerged of suspicious bets placed on Rozier's performance metrics, including prop bets that would have required him to surpass certain statistical thresholds. Notably, some sportsbooks halted bets on Rozier just hours before the game, prompting questions from bettors regarding the last-minute changes.

Sources indicate that the irregular betting patterns detected by U.S. Integrity, a firm that monitors suspicious wagering activities, triggered alarms that the investigative team is now exploring. Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, expressed confidence that the investigation would ultimately clear his name, stating, "We are aware of the NBA’s 2023 investigation which determined there was absolutely no wrongdoing by Mr. Rozier."

Rozier, 30, is under no formal accusation nor has he been charged with any crime. As the investigation unfolds, he remains focused on basketball, stating that he feels in a "great headspace" and will continue to perform for the Miami Heat. As per Rozier, "It’s kind of always been easy. It’s kind of been my life," highlighting his ability to concentrate amid adversity.

The ongoing federal investigation has raised concerns about potential collusion in sports betting scenarios, particularly as it deepens into the practices surrounding Rozier's case. As the NBA grapples with increasing scrutiny over sports gambling, many eyes are on Rozier as this saga develops. Source: AP News