NBA gambling scandal expands as Terry Rozier fights federal charges
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier has been charged in a federal illegal sports betting and money laundering case tied to the use of nonpublic NBA injury information. Prosecutors say the scheme allowed defendants to gain an unfair advantage when placing wagers. Rozier was arrested in Orlando, released on bond, and pleaded not guilty.
Federal authorities describe the case as part of a wider illegal gambling network with links to organized crime. In a related investigation, dozens of defendants were charged for running fixed high-stakes poker games across multiple U.S. cities. Former NBA player Damon Jones was arrested, while coach Chauncey Billups was also placed on leave.
The NBA confirmed that Rozier and Billups have been put on immediate leave as the league cooperates with investigators. Officials stressed that the integrity of the game remains a top priority. The scandal follows earlier probes into unusual betting activity involving NBA games.
Rozier’s legal team has asked a judge to dismiss the charges, arguing prosecutors failed to establish wire fraud or money laundering conspiracies. Attorneys claim his alleged role was limited to sharing information with a friend, which they say does not constitute fraud. The case is set to continue in federal court in 2026.