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Terry Rozier’s college coach, Rick Pitino, contacted his former player after Rozier was indicted in an illegal gambling case.
Pitino, who coached Rozier at Louisville, said he was “shocked” by the news of Rozier’s alleged involvement and arrest “because Terry makes $22 million a year.”
“It’s not like him,” Pitino told OutKick’s Dan Dakich.
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Louisville Cardinals guard Terry Rozier (left) and coach Rick Pitino celebrate against the Northern Iowa Panthers in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at KeyArena. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)
Rozier faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
“I love Terry. I texted him, ‘Terry, if I can be of any help. I love you, son. If there’s anything I can do to help, please contact me.’ I don’t know what’s happening to him there. It doesn’t seem like someone who wins $22 million is worried about a side bet. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”
The charges against Rozier stem from a game in which he played less than 10 minutes, due to a foot injury. Several bettors placed high bets on Rozier to perform poorly before the match, all of whom won.
Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, admitted that Rozier “told a friend” that he would pull out of a game early, which is “not a crime.”
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier during the second half against the Washington Wizards on March 31, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, file)
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Neither Hornets officials nor the betting companies were informed of Rozier’s plan, according to the indictment, and Rozier was not listed on the team’s injury report.
After Rozier played only nine minutes and never returned, the bets were won. Rozier and his friend Deniro Laster counted the cash winnings at Rozier’s Charlotte home about a week later, the indictment says.
When asked if Rozier gave inside information for the purpose of illegal betting, Trusty said the answer was “absolutely no. That never happened.”
Rozier was placed on immediate leave from the Miami Heat, the NBA announced shortly after his arrest, “and we will continue to cooperate with the appropriate authorities.”
Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier appears to pass against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Spectrum Center. (Nell Redmond/USA Today Sports)
“The integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the NBA said.
