The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has strongly criticized the NBA’s recent decision to place Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier on unpaid leave following his arrest linked to an alleged gambling scandal. This controversial move comes after Rozier, along with Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, was indicted by federal prosecutors last week for their purported involvement in a mafia-connected poker scheme.
Both Rozier and Billups were subjected to immediate leave by the NBA as the league commenced its review of the unsealed indictment. Reports surfaced on Wednesday indicating that neither Rozier nor Billups would receive payment during this period. In a statement provided to ESPN’s Shams Charania, a spokesperson for the players' association remarked, “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. We plan to challenge their decision via the proper channels.”
Multiple reports indicate that Rozier’s paychecks will be held in escrow as the legal proceedings unfold. The Heat guard was set to receive his first installment of a substantial $26.6 million annual salary later this week, as reported by the Associated Press. Notably, the Miami Heat will not benefit from any immediate salary cap relief due to this ongoing situation.
The NBA emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game in its official statement. “We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities,” the league stated. “We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”
Among the serious allegations, Rozier is accused of participating in an illegal sports betting scheme by leveraging insider knowledge of the NBA. Specifically, during a game in 2023 while he was with the Charlotte Hornets, Rozier allegedly informed a friend that he intended to exit the game early due to an injury. This sensitive information was reportedly sold to bettors, who then wagered substantial sums on Rozier’s performance-related props, as detailed in the federal indictment.
The unfolding situation surrounding Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups underscores the gravity of the allegations and the NBA's stringent stance on maintaining the sport's integrity. As the legal proceedings progress, the implications for both individuals and the league will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
