Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is currently the subject of a federal investigation into an alleged illegal betting operation, the NBA confirmed Thursday. Investigators are examining Rozier's performance in two March 2023 games, specifically exploring a potential conspiracy with former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter.
This investigation is connected to the probe that resulted in Porter's lifetime ban from the NBA in July. Porter's ban stemmed from his involvement in manipulating game outcomes and engaging in "prop bets," wagers on specific player statistics during a game. The league discovered Porter had shared confidential information with gamblers and placed bets on games, including bets against his own team.
The investigation into Porter began when unusual betting patterns surrounding his performance in a March 20, 2024, game against Sacramento were flagged by licensed sports betting operators and a betting market monitoring organization. It was determined that Porter had disclosed his health status to a bettor before the game, and another individual, identified as an NBA bettor, placed a substantial wager against Porter achieving his statistical targets. This bet could have yielded a significant payout.
Authorities suspect that individuals involved in Porter's scheme possessed insider information that led them to place large bets against Rozier a year earlier. While Rozier has not been charged with any wrongdoing, the Wall Street Journal initially reported this investigation, noting the focus on Rozier's performance while playing for the Charlotte Hornets. The NBA conducted an internal investigation at the time but found no rule violations. They are now cooperating with the U.S. Attorney's Office investigation.
The game under scrutiny took place on March 23, 2023, between the Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans. Rozier played briefly, recording five points, four rebounds, and two assists before exiting with a foot injury and not returning for the remainder of the season. While this might not have seemed unusual at the time, given the Hornets' non-playoff position, it is now a point of interest for investigators.
The NBA released a statement confirming their awareness of the U.S. Attorney's investigation and their cooperation with authorities. The Miami Heat and Rozier's representatives have been contacted for comment.
