UPDATE: Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested early Thursday morning as part of a sweeping FBI investigation into illegal sports betting, sources confirm. The arrest occurred at a hotel in Orlando, Florida, where the Heat had just faced off against the Orlando Magic the previous night.
Authorities, including Kash Patel from the Eastern District of New York, are set to hold a press conference at 10 a.m. ET to unveil more details regarding the investigation and additional arrests linked to the case.
This shocking development comes just as the NBA grapples with growing concerns about the integrity of its games amid a broader gambling scandal. Rozier’s arrest is part of a larger probe that has already ensnared former Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter, who was banned from the NBA in spring 2024 for his involvement in manipulating player prop bets.
Sources indicate that suspicious betting patterns emerged surrounding Rozier’s performance in a game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 23, 2023. An unexpected influx of bets on Rozier’s under for points, rebounds, and assists led sportsbooks to suspend betting on his statistics after he played only 10 minutes due to a reported foot injury.
“We’ve asked some of our partners to pull back some of the prop bets, especially when they’re on two-way players,”
said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, emphasizing the league’s commitment to safeguarding game integrity. “This manipulation seems small but can have significant consequences.”
Four individuals, including Porter, have already pleaded guilty in connection with the ongoing betting scandal, with two others reportedly in plea negotiations. The ramifications of this investigation could have lasting impacts on the league and its players, raising urgent questions about the future of sports betting in professional basketball.
As the situation develops, fans and players alike are left to wonder about the implications of Rozier’s arrest and the NBA’s ongoing efforts to combat gambling-related manipulation. Today’s press conference is expected to shed further light on the case and any additional individuals involved.
Stay tuned for live updates as this story unfolds, and be prepared for potential shake-ups in the NBA landscape as the investigation continues.