BREAKING: Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups will not receive any salary while on leave due to serious federal gambling charges, sources have confirmed to ESPN. Both individuals face significant implications as their paychecks, totaling over $26.6 million for Rozier this season, will be withheld and placed in escrow pending the outcome of ongoing FBI investigations.
This urgent development comes after Rozier’s arrest on October 23, 2023, alongside Billups and nearly three dozen others, all linked to gambling-related offenses. The implications of these charges could reshape the careers of both Rozier and Billups, making this a critical moment for the NBA and its integrity.
Rozier’s situation has intensified as he confronts a federal lien filed by the IRS for an alleged tax bill of $8,218,211.70 for the year 2021. However, Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, insists that the actual amount owed was only $9,000, arguing that the lien misrepresents his financial situation. “There was never a debt of $8 million,” Trusty stated, highlighting the discrepancies surrounding Rozier’s tax obligations.
Federal authorities allege that Rozier conspired with associates to manipulate betting based on his performance during a game on March 23, 2023, when he played for the Charlotte Hornets. Sportsbooks flagged unusual betting patterns involving Rozier, prompting the NBA to investigate. Although the league did not find enough evidence to impose penalties at that time, this latest development has raised serious questions about gambling practices within the league.
In a concerning parallel, Rozier’s case echoes the earlier suspension of former Toronto player Jontay Porter, who faced similar gambling-related charges leading to his ban in 2024. The NBA has since announced that it is reviewing its policies regarding gambling and sensitive information, following inquiries from members of Congress, including Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell.
As the situation develops, the NBA must navigate the delicate balance between maintaining the integrity of the game and addressing the legal ramifications facing its players and coaches. The league is under pressure to provide clarity on how it handles such serious allegations and the protocols in place to protect its brand.
What happens next? Both Rozier and Billups await the outcomes of their respective cases, which will have far-reaching consequences for their futures in professional basketball. Should Rozier be cleared of wrongdoing, he would receive his withheld payments in full. However, the uncertainty looms large as both individuals confront the realities of their legal battles, with potential impacts extending far beyond their immediate careers.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this developing story, providing you with the latest updates and insights into the ongoing investigations and their implications for the NBA community.
