BREAKING: Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups will NOT receive salaries while on leave due to federal gambling charges. This urgent development comes as sources confirm that both their paychecks will be withheld and placed in escrow pending the outcome of ongoing FBI investigations.
Rozier, with a salary of approximately $26.6 million for the current season, was placed on leave just hours after his arrest on October 23, 2023. If cleared, he could receive the withheld payments in full, according to sources. The implications of this decision resonate deeply within the NBA community as the league grapples with rising concerns over gambling-related activities.
The charges stem from allegations that Rozier conspired to help associates win bets based on his performance during a game on March 23, 2023, while he was still with the Charlotte Hornets. This incident has drawn intense scrutiny, leading to his arrest alongside nearly three dozen others involved in gambling-related offenses.
In a related matter, Rozier’s attorney revealed that a federal lien filed by the IRS regarding a tax bill from 2021 was satisfied. The lien, which indicated an unpaid balance of $8,218,211.70, has been contested, with the attorney claiming Rozier actually owed only $9,000. This discrepancy raises questions about the player’s financial responsibilities and the potential impact on his career.
The NBA has faced pressure from Congress to investigate the handling of these allegations, with Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell demanding clarity on how the league responded to the gambling allegations against Rozier. The NBA’s review process for sensitive information, including injury reports, is also under scrutiny as officials seek to prevent similar situations in the future.
As the situation unfolds, the fallout could change the landscape of the league. Fans and players alike are left waiting to see how these serious allegations will affect Rozier’s career and the NBA’s approach to gambling regulations moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, as the implications of these charges extend far beyond individual circumstances—impacting the integrity of the sport itself.