NBA source says Rozier was never formally cleared in 2023 betting inquiry
nba-did-not-clear-terry-rozier-2023-betting-investigation
New York — A league official says the NBA never issued an official clearance for guard Terry Rozier in the 2023 gambling investigation that led to his recent federal indictment.
“Rozier’s investigation was never closed, so he was not cleared of anything,” the official told investigative journalist Pablo Torre. “Our inability to find something is not the same as being cleared.” The source added that while no violation of league rules was uncovered, the probe remains open.
The NBA retained New York law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz after suspicious wagering surfaced on Rozier’s under prop bets before the Charlotte Hornets’ March 23, 2023 game. During the inquiry, Rozier participated in a Zoom interview and surrendered his phone so investigators could examine messages and potential gambling contacts.
With no decisive evidence found, the league referred the matter to federal authorities and allowed the guard to continue playing, first with Charlotte and later with the Miami Heat.
Federal case focuses on March 23 contest
The same March 23 matchup is now central to a federal indictment charging Rozier with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors claim he alerted friend DeNiro Laster that he would exit the game early, enabling nearly $260,000 in winning wagers on his unders. Authorities allege the cash was later counted at Rozier’s residence.
Beasley also under review
Separately, veteran guard Malik Beasley is being examined by both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the NBA for potential illicit betting activity. According to Torre, those investigations are ongoing, though the league has not found evidence that Beasley altered his performance or communicated with gamblers. Beasley, previously cleared in an unrelated betting probe, remains a free agent heading into the upcoming season.
The league has not indicated when either inquiry might conclude.
Source: Hoops Wire
