BREAKING: Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested early Thursday morning in connection with an urgent FBI investigation into sports betting, multiple sources confirm. The Eastern District of New York and FBI Director Kash Patel are set to hold a news conference at 10 a.m. ET today to announce significant developments in the case.
Rozier was taken into custody at a hotel in Orlando, Florida, following the Heat’s recent loss to the Orlando Magic. Notably, Rozier did not participate in the game due to a coach’s decision, raising eyebrows amid the unfolding investigation.
Sources indicate that Rozier’s arrest follows suspicious betting activity tied to his performance earlier this year. On March 23, 2023, sportsbooks across multiple states flagged a sudden influx of bets on the under for Rozier’s points, rebounds, and assists. This prompted sportsbooks to suspend betting on the veteran guard after he played just 10 minutes of that game, citing a foot injury.
The ongoing investigation is linked to a broader gambling scandal involving former Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter, who was banned from the NBA in spring 2024 for his role in manipulating player prop bets. Porter has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and admitted in court to altering his performance in two games during the 2023-24 season. He is currently awaiting sentencing in December.
As part of this investigation, four men, including Porter, have already pleaded guilty, with two additional conspirators engaged in plea negotiations, according to court documents.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the issue on “The Pat McAfee Show” this week, emphasizing the league’s commitment to combating manipulation in sports betting. “We’ve asked some of our partners to pull back some of the prop bets, especially when they’re on two-way players, guys who don’t have the same stake in the competition,” Silver stated. “We’re trying to put in place some additional control to prevent manipulation.”
With the FBI’s press conference just hours away, this story is developing rapidly. Fans and stakeholders within the NBA are urged to stay tuned for updates as authorities reveal more about the implications of Rozier’s arrest and the broader investigation into sports betting practices.
As this situation unfolds, the ramifications of Rozier’s arrest could have significant implications for the NBA and its players, urging all parties involved to maintain the integrity of the game.
