Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier has found himself at the center of a federal investigation involving illegal sports betting, after being arrested on Thursday, October 23, 2025, as part of a large-scale FBI probe. Rozier, who was immediately placed on leave by the NBA following the indictments, faces serious charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. This development is part of a broader crackdown involving over 30 individuals implicated in two separate FBI investigations targeting illegal sports betting rings and allegedly rigged poker games, with suspected ties to New York-based organized crime families.
Rozier’s arrest came as a surprise to many within the sports community, as the NBA player had previously been cleared of wrongdoing in a related investigation. His attorney, Jim Trusty, accused the FBI of seeking "misplaced glory" by opting to arrest Rozier publicly rather than allowing him to surrender voluntarily. Trusty criticized the FBI for staging what he described as a "photo op," implying that the bureau prioritized public spectacle over a fair and discreet legal process. He emphasized that Rozier was considered a "subject" rather than a "target" in the investigation and highlighted the existence of an open line of communication between Rozier’s legal team and the FBI prior to the arrest.
Trusty’s statement also questioned the credibility of the FBI’s case against Rozier, suggesting that the agency appeared to rely on unreliable sources rather than solid evidence. "They appear to be taking the word of spectacularly incredible sources rather than relying on actual evidence of wrongdoing," Trusty said. He further explained that a previous comprehensive investigation, involving interviews and a thorough review of Rozier’s phone records, had cleared Rozier of any involvement. According to Trusty, FBI agents participated in that earlier probe and concluded that there was "nothing to see here," underscoring his belief that the current charges are unfounded.
The allegations against Rozier center on his purported involvement in manipulating the outcome of a 2023 Miami Heat game for illicit betting gains. According to the indictment, Rozier allegedly told a childhood friend, Deniro Laster, that he would intentionally exit a game early by citing an injury. This information was allegedly used by Laster to place wagers on Rozier’s "under" prop bets—bets placed on whether a player’s statistical performance in a game will fall below a certain threshold. Rozier was accused of misleading both Hornets officials and betting companies by not being listed on the team’s injury report, thereby enabling Laster and other co-conspirators to place bets totaling approximately $200,000 based on his premature exit.
The game in question took place on March 23, 2023, when Rozier reportedly played only nine minutes before leaving and did not return. The bets placed on his "under" prop ultimately won, and the indictment claims that Rozier and Laster later counted cash winnings together at Rozier’s home in Charlotte. This alleged scheme forms a key part of the government’s case against Rozier and several others involved in the broader illegal sports betting operation.
Rozier’s arrest is part of a larger FBI crackdown on illegal gambling activities that reportedly include rigged poker games and betting rings with connections to organized crime. More than 30 people have been arrested across two federal investigations, which have sent shockwaves through the sports and gambling worlds. The investigations have also ensnared other prominent figures, including NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, who has denied any wrongdoing following his own arrest.
Following Rozier’s arraignment in Orlando, Florida, his attorney reiterated their stance, emphasizing that Rozier is not a gambler and that he was previously cleared after an extensive inquiry. Trusty expressed frustration over the renewed charges, suggesting that the FBI is pursuing this case as part of a "trophy hunt," rather than based on substantive evidence. He pointed out that numerous individuals close to the investigation remain tight-lipped, but the earlier comprehensive review involving phone data and interviews had found no evidence of criminal conduct by Rozier.
The NBA swiftly acted in response to the indictment by placing Rozier on leave, signaling the league’s intent to take the allegations seriously while the legal process unfolds. The NBA has strict policies against gambling and betting-related misconduct to protect the integrity of the sport. Rozier’s case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by professional sports leagues in addressing illegal betting and maintaining fair play amid a rapidly expanding sports gambling market.
The FBI’s aggressive approach to this