Heat Release Rozier Following Betting Arrest
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was released by the team on Friday, ESPN reported. The 32-year-old had been away from the Heat since his October arrest as part of an FBI investigation into illegal sports betting. The NBA placed Rozier on indefinite leave for his alleged role in the activity during his time with the Charlotte Hornets.
Rozier pleaded not guilty in December to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. The probe includes a 2023 game in which Rozier played fewer than 10 minutes due to a foot injury; multiple bettors won high-stakes wagers on his limited performance. Charlotte traded Rozier to Miami in January 2024 without disclosing the federal and league investigations; the Hornets later sent Miami a second-round draft pick.
Rozier signed a four-year, $96.3 million contract extension with Charlotte in 2023. His $26.6 million salary for this season sits in escrow pending the case; the deal expires after the season.
The move clears a roster spot for the Heat, who hold a 41-39 record and the East's No. 10 seed entering the Play-In Tournament. The 11th-place Milwaukee Bucks sit at 31-49.
