Timeline of Terry Rozier’s Gambling Case: From Early Warnings to FBI Arrest
March 2023 – Unusual Betting Activity During His Hornets Tenure
On March 23, 2023, the sports integrity watchdog U.S. Integrity flagged an unusual spike in wagers involving Terry Rozier before the Charlotte Hornets faced the New Orleans Pelicans. The bets were heavily focused on Rozier recording under his usual statistics, such as points and rebounds.
Because of the suspicious betting trend, several sportsbooks reportedly suspended betting lines related to Rozier’s performance.
That night, Rozier appeared in the game but logged only 10 minutes, producing 5 points and 4 rebounds before leaving with a foot injury. According to The Wall Street Journal, he had averaged 21 points in 35 minutes per game that season, making the abrupt drop in performance notable. It turned out to be his final game of the 2022–23 season.
In January 2024, he was later traded from the Hornets to the Miami Heat.
January 2025 – Federal Investigation Comes to Light
In January 2025, reports surfaced that Rozier had become the focus of a federal probe into an underground sports gambling ring — the same case that resulted in a lifetime ban for Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter. The investigation centered on betting irregularities from that 2023 matchup between Charlotte and New Orleans.
The NBA confirmed it was aware of the situation but said its own internal review found no violations of league policy.
“Back in March 2023, we received information about abnormal betting patterns concerning Terry Rozier’s performance in a Hornets–Pelicans game,” said NBA spokesman Mike Bass.
“After conducting a review, the league found no evidence of rule-breaking. We are now cooperating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York as they pursue their investigation.”
Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, insisted that his client had done nothing wrong:
“The NBA already cleared Terry of any wrongdoing, and we are confident the federal authorities will reach the same conclusion.”
July 2025 – Ongoing Legal Scrutiny
About six months later, NBA reporter Chris Haynes confirmed that Rozier remained under investigation as part of the same case.
October 22, 2025 – Miami Heat Season Opener
The Miami Heat opened their 2025–26 season against the Orlando Magic, losing 125–121. Rozier did not see playing time, as it was listed as a coach’s decision.
October 23, 2025 – FBI Arrest
The following morning, October 23, FBI agents arrested Rozier in relation to the ongoing gambling probe.
According to his attorney, the arrest was unnecessary and intended for public spectacle:
“We’ve been in contact with prosecutors for over a year. They previously described Terry as a subject, not a target. Yet at six in the morning, FBI agents arrived at his hotel to arrest him,” the lawyer said.
“They could have allowed him to turn himself in quietly, but instead chose a public scene for attention. It shows where their priorities lie. The NBA already cleared Terry, and there’s still no credible evidence against him. He’s not a gambler and intends to defend himself fully.”
On the same day, Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested in a separate but connected case involving an illegal poker operation. Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones also faced charges in another gambling-related case.
Summary
The ongoing situation involving Terry Rozier has become one of the league’s most discussed controversies since the Jontay Porter betting scandal. While the NBA’s investigation concluded there were no rule violations, the federal case is still active. Rozier and his defense team continue to assert his innocence and plan to challenge the allegations in court.
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