The Miami Heat have expressed their unwavering support for guard Terry Rozier, who is currently on indefinite leave following his arrest by federal agents. Rozier faces charges related to an alleged involvement in a scheme to manipulate betting based on his performance during a game on March 23, 2023, when he played for the Charlotte Hornets.
Rozier’s absence was felt during the team’s morning shootaround on Friday in Memphis, Tennessee, ahead of their game against the Grizzlies. Heat captain Bam Adebayo emphasized the team’s solidarity, stating, “You support him through and through. That’s our brother at the end of the day.” He noted that Rozier’s positive energy is integral to the team’s dynamic.
The investigation leading to Rozier’s arrest is part of a larger operation targeting illegal sports betting and rigged poker games allegedly connected to organized crime. Alongside Rozier, Chauncey Billups, the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and former player Damon Jones were also arrested, as authorities announced the involvement of at least 34 individuals in these illegal activities.
Adebayo affirmed the team’s commitment to Rozier, saying, “We stand behind him. Full support.” Erik Spoelstra, the Heat’s head coach, acknowledged Rozier’s positive impact on the locker room and expressed concern for him during this challenging time. “We send our thoughts and our care for him as he goes through this,” Spoelstra remarked.
Rozier’s attorney has denied any wrongdoing on his client’s part. Both the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets have refrained from commenting on the legal aspects of the case. The allegations involve Rozier allegedly informing a childhood friend, Deniro Laster, of his intention to withdraw from the game, which Laster then reportedly sold to bettors for approximately $100,000. This information led to substantial illegal betting, with associates wagering hundreds of thousands of dollars on Rozier’s performance.
In that particular game, Rozier made a modest contribution with five points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal within his 9.5 minutes of play before citing foot pain as the reason for his exit. He was subsequently sidelined for the remainder of that season as the Hornets had already been eliminated from playoff contention.
The Heat convened as a team shortly after Rozier’s arrest to discuss how best to support him. Forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. remarked, “That’s our brother. We’ve had a lot of time with him. There’s a lot of stuff that we don’t know. Just waiting for more information to come out.”
Despite not being part of the rotation for the Heat’s season-opening game in Orlando on Wednesday, Rozier was in uniform and available to play. His sudden legal troubles became apparent shortly after the team departed from Orlando, marking the beginning of a challenging period for both Rozier and the Heat.
As the team prepares for their upcoming games, Spoelstra emphasized the need to focus on immediate challenges. “You’re left with no other choice. The league doesn’t wait. It doesn’t stop for you,” he stated. The Heat must now navigate the situation while maintaining their competitive edge in the ongoing season.
This incident marks another chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of sports betting within the NBA, raising questions about the league’s relationship with gambling and player conduct.
