Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is reportedly under federal investigation for his alleged involvement in an illegal sports betting scheme. The probe centers on unusual betting patterns observed during a game on March 23, 2023, when Rozier was a member of the Charlotte Hornets. sports.yahoo.com
Details of the Investigation
On March 23, 2023, the Charlotte Hornets faced the New Orleans Pelicans. Rozier played the first 9 minutes and 36 seconds of the game, recording five points, four rebounds, and two assists. He then exited the game due to a reported foot injury and did not return for the remainder of the season, as the Hornets were not in playoff contention.
Following this game, bettors expressed frustration on social media, alleging that Rozier's early exit affected various prop bets. Some sportsbooks had offered prop bets on Rozier's performance, with totals set around 21.5 points, six assists, and four rebounds. Notably, some of these prop bets were removed hours before the game, raising suspicions among bettors.
NBA's Response
The NBA was alerted to the unusual betting activity related to Rozier's performance in the March 2023 game. The league conducted an investigation and did not find a violation of NBA rules at that time. However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York has since initiated its own investigation, with which the NBA is cooperating.
Context and Comparisons
This investigation is part of a broader federal probe into illegal sports betting within professional basketball. Notably, in April 2024, the NBA issued a lifetime ban to Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter after determining he disclosed confidential information to bettors and wagered on games, including betting against his own team.
Current Status
As of now, Terry Rozier has not been charged with any crime, nor has he been officially accused of wrongdoing. Both the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets have referred inquiries to the NBA's official statement. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited.
This situation underscores the increasing scrutiny on the integrity of professional sports amid the growing prevalence of sports betting. The outcomes of such investigations could have significant implications for players, teams, and the league as a whole.
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