Terry Rozier’s Pay Withheld; NBPA Plans Formal Appeal
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The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) said Wednesday it will formally contest the NBA’s decision to place Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier on unpaid leave after his arrest on federal gambling charges.
“While we are in agreement with the league that upholding the integrity of the game is of the utmost importance, their decision to place Terry on leave without pay is counter to the presumption of innocence and inconsistent with the terms of our Collective Bargaining Agreement,” an NBPA spokesperson said. “We plan to challenge their decision via the proper channels.”
According to The Associated Press’ Tim Reynolds, Rozier’s twice-monthly paychecks of approximately $1.11 million will be held in an interest-bearing account until the legal matter is resolved. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, arrested in a related betting investigation, is also not receiving salary.
Rozier, 30, carries a $26.6 million cap hit this season and would receive his full compensation retroactively if cleared and reinstated. For now, the Heat receive no immediate salary-cap or luxury-tax relief, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel noted, while Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald said discussions about potential special cap relief are ongoing.
Federal prosecutors allege Rozier tipped off a friend about a foot injury in March 2023 while playing for the Charlotte Hornets, information that was later used to place prop bets. Rozier left that game early and did not return for the remainder of the season.
Attorney Jim Trusty, representing Rozier, called the allegations unwarranted. “This is an innocent guy who’s getting completely screwed, to use some legal vernacular,” Trusty told Fox News, adding that the NBA had cleared the player of wrongdoing two years ago. Trusty also disputed reports that Rozier owed more than $8 million in taxes, saying the actual liability was roughly $9,000 and has been settled.
Rozier’s status with the Heat—and potentially in the league—now hinges on the outcome of the federal investigation and the NBPA’s forthcoming grievance.
Source: Hoops Wire
