New York, Oct. — A league office source says the NBA’s 2023 gambling investigation into guard Terry Rozier was never closed, contradicting public claims that the player had been exonerated.
Speaking to investigative reporter Pablo Torre, the source stated, “Rozier’s investigation was never closed, so he was not cleared of anything.” According to the official, the league could not confirm a rules violation but also did not consider the matter settled.
Inside the 2023 review
The NBA retained law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz after irregular betting patterns surfaced on Rozier “under” prop wagers before a March 23, 2023 game with the Charlotte Hornets. Investigators interviewed Rozier via Zoom and examined his cellphone for specific search terms. With no “smoking gun” discovered, the league deferred to federal authorities while allowing Rozier to keep playing, first for Charlotte and later for Miami.
Federal indictment follows
Rozier now faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors allege he told friend and co-defendant DeNiro Laster that he would exit the March 23 game early. The indictment says Laster collected $100,000 for relaying that tip to Marves Fairley, who then shared it with others. The group allegedly wagered $259,000 on under props that hit after Rozier left in the first quarter with a foot injury. Authorities claim the winnings were later counted at Rozier’s home.
Beasley still under scrutiny
Sources told Torre that federal and NBA inquiries into veteran guard Malik Beasley are also ongoing. Earlier league vetting of Beasley’s wagers on other sports ended without penalty, but the current probe has not been closed. A league source said investigators have found no evidence that Beasley altered his play or shared inside information.
Beasley, who became a free agent this summer, remains unsigned.
Source: Hoops Rumors
