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Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who was arrested in October as part of an FBI investigation into illegal sports betting, was reportedly released by the team on Friday.
Rozier, 32, had been absent from the team since his arrest and was placed on leave by the NBA for his alleged involvement in illegal sports betting during his time with the Charlotte Hornets. ESPN first reported his release.
Rozier pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in December.
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Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) watches the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, file)
In one game in 2023, Rozier played less than 10 minutes, citing a foot injury. Several people placed high stakes on Rozier to play poorly before the match, and all of those people won their bets.
Rozier, who signed a four-year contract extension worth $96.3 million in 2023, will have his contract voided after the season. The $26.6 million he was supposed to earn this season has been placed in escrow as his case unfolds.
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Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier (3) looks to pass against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Spectrum Center. (Nell Redmond/USA Today Sports)
The Hornets traded Rozier to the Heat in January 2024, a trade that has come under scrutiny in light of the allegations. The Heat was unaware of the federal and NBA investigations into Rozier at the time of the trade.
After the allegations were made, the Hornets agreed to give the Heat a second-round pick in the upcoming draft.
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Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) handles the ball during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena in Washington, District of Columbia, March 31, 2025. (Reggie Hildred/Imagn Images)
For the Heat, Rozier’s announced release allows them to free up a spot on the team before the playoffs.
The Heat, at 41-39, are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference and are primed to enter the Play-In tournament, as the 11th-ranked Milwaukee Bucks are 31-49 and nowhere near competing for the final spot.
