Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested Thursday morning at a hotel in Orlando, Florida, as part of an FBI investigation into illegal sports betting. The detention occurred hours after the Heat’s 116-97 loss to the Orlando Magic, where Rozier did not play due to a coach’s decision. Authorities from the Eastern District of New York and FBI Director Kash Patel will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. to announce arrests related to the case.
The investigation stems from suspicious betting patterns detected on March 23, 2023, during a Charlotte Hornets-New Orleans Pelicans game. Rozier, then with the Hornets, left after 10 minutes, citing a right foot injury. Sportsbooks halted wagers on his individual stats after unusual betting activity.
- A professional bettor placed 30 wagers in 46 minutes totaling $13,759 on the under for Rozier’s points, rebounds, and assists.
- Operators in Louisiana and Mississippi reported above-average volume on these lines.
- All bets won after Rozier’s early exit.
Details of the Orlando arrest
Rozier, 31, was in Orlando with the Heat for the start of the 2025-26 season. Federal agents executed the arrest at the team’s hotel. He was traveling with the roster despite not playing against the Magic.
Sources indicate the action is part of a broader operation targeting manipulation schemes in professional sports. Additional arrests are expected to be disclosed at the press conference.
Betting patterns in 2023
Sportsbooks flagged alerts for the Hornets-Pelicans game. A sudden surge in under bets occurred hours before tip-off.
Rozier scored only 5 points in the opening minutes and did not return. The reported foot injury was cited as the reason for his absence.
Operators suspended prop bet lines to avoid further losses. U.S. Integrity issued a nationwide alert on suspicious wagering involving Rozier at 2:24 p.m. that day.
Connection to Jontay Porter case
The inquiry links to the scandal that led to Jontay Porter’s lifetime NBA ban in 2024. The former Toronto Raptors center admitted manipulating performance in two 2023-24 games for betting purposes.
Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy and awaits sentencing in December. Four men, including him, have pleaded guilty in the case.
Two additional conspirators are in plea negotiations, per court filings. The scheme involved prop bets on player stats.
NBA’s prior stance
The league investigated the 2023 incident and found no rule violations. Rozier cooperated with NBA and FBI officials in multiple meetings.
His attorney, Jim Trusty, stated the initial league probe concluded no wrongdoing. No sanctions were imposed on Rozier by the NBA.
Rozier’s contract and career
Rozier is in the final year of a four-year, $96.3 million contract signed with the Hornets in August 2021. He was traded to the Heat in January 2024 for Kyle Lowry and a draft pick.
Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2015, Rozier averages 13.9 points per game over 10+ NBA seasons. The March 2023 game was his last with the Hornets that season.
NBA’s measures against manipulation
Commissioner Adam Silver discussed partnerships with betting operators to combat fraud. The league requested reductions in prop bets, especially for two-way contract players.
These lines facilitate low-impact manipulations. Additional controls are being implemented with betting companies.
The NBA monitors patterns in real-time through specialized integrity organizations.
