Heat leaders pledge full backing to Terry Rozier after guard’s arrest and NBA suspension
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The Miami Heat said Friday they will “fully support” guard Terry Rozier, who was placed on indefinite leave by the NBA after being arrested a day earlier on federal gambling-related charges.
Rozier, 31, was taken into custody Thursday in Orlando and later indicted on allegations that he conspired with friends to profit from inside information about his playing status in a March 23, 2023, game while he was a member of the Charlotte Hornets. Prosecutors contend Rozier told longtime friend Deniro Laster that he would remove himself early because of foot pain; Laster then allegedly sold that tip for about $100,000 to two bettors who wagered heavily on Rozier’s statistical “unders” through a network of proxy gamblers.
Miami captain Bam Adebayo said the locker room intends to stand by Rozier. “He’s the first person I usually talk to in the morning, so it felt strange without him,” Adebayo told reporters before Friday night’s matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. “We’re behind him all the way.”
Head coach Erik Spoelstra called Rozier “important to our locker room” and said the club met Thursday to discuss how to move forward. “The league doesn’t stop,” Spoelstra noted. “We have to compartmentalize and get ready for the next game.”
Rozier’s attorney has denied any wrongdoing. Neither the Heat nor the Hornets have commented on the legal case.
According to the indictment, after Charlotte’s first quarter that night in 2023 — in which Rozier recorded 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal during 9½ minutes — the guard did not return and missed the final eight games of a season in which the Hornets were already eliminated from playoff contention. Authorities allege Rozier paid for Laster’s travel to Philadelphia to collect gambling proceeds and later counted the money with him at Rozier’s residence.
The situation leaves Miami without Rozier, who was in uniform but did not play during Wednesday’s season opener in Orlando. Forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. said players are waiting for additional details but remain united behind their teammate.
Rozier’s case is the second high-profile gambling probe to hit the NBA this week; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested Thursday in a separate investigation and also placed on leave by the league.
Rozier’s next court appearance had not been scheduled as of Friday afternoon.
Source: ESPN
