Terry Rozier, the NBA guard currently embroiled in legal issues, will not receive his salary from the Miami Heat while he is on leave following his arrest on federal charges linked to a gambling scheme. According to two sources familiar with the situation, who spoke to The Associated Press, Rozier's salary for this season—approximately $26.6 million—will be withheld until the legal case is resolved. The first installment of his salary was due later this week, but the Heat will not see any immediate relief in their salary cap as a result of this decision.
If Rozier is cleared of all charges and permitted to return to the NBA, he may receive the withheld payments in full. The NBA placed Rozier on leave just hours after his arrest on October 23, highlighting the league's swift action in response to the allegations against him.
In a related development, Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, is also experiencing salary withholding due to his recent arrest on gambling-related charges. Billups, who is under contract through at least the 2026-27 season, signed a multiyear extension in April. Sources indicate that the Trail Blazers are holding his salary as the legal situation unfolds. Neither the Heat nor the Trail Blazers have commented on these matters.
In addition to his legal troubles, Rozier's attorney revealed that a federal lien related to his 2021 tax bill has been satisfied. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) filed a lien against Rozier in November 2023, citing an "unpaid balance of assessment" totaling $8,218,211.70 for the tax year 2021. However, attorney Jim Trusty clarified that the actual amount owed was significantly lower. "Out of his total taxes owed in 2021, he actually owed $9,000," Trusty stated, emphasizing that the lien's existence is now outdated and needs to be formally removed from the records.
Rozier, Billups, and nearly three dozen others were arrested last week on various gambling-related charges specified in two separate indictments. Federal officials allege that Rozier conspired with associates to win bets based on his statistical performance during a game played while he was still with the Charlotte Hornets. This game took place on March 23, 2023, long before the lien was prepared. Rozier's limited playing time in that game raised suspicions, with gamblers who wagered on his performance being successful.
The allegations against Rozier bear similarities to those faced by former Toronto player Jontay Porter, who was banned from the league in 2024. During the final eight games of the 2022-23 season, Rozier did not participate due to a foot injury, as the Hornets were already out of playoff contention and struggling with injuries.
The NBA is currently reviewing its processes regarding sensitive information, such as injury reports, which are made public and updated frequently. This scrutiny follows unusual betting patterns detected during the game involving Rozier, which were flagged by sportsbooks and reported to the NBA. While the league conducted an investigation, it did not find sufficient evidence to conclude that Rozier violated any rules, noting its limitations compared to federal law enforcement.
In light of these events, members of the House and Senate have requested more information from the NBA regarding how it investigated these allegations. Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell have specifically sought details on the league's handling of the situation and the rationale behind allowing Rozier to continue playing during the investigation.
