NBA player Terry Rozier, recently arrested on federal charges related to a gambling scheme, will not be receiving his $26.6 million salary from the Miami Heat while on leave. This decision comes as the legal case against Rozier unfolds, with his salary being held pending resolution. The NBA has placed Rozier on leave and has not provided immediate salary cap relief to the Heat.
Similarly, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, who is also on leave due to gambling-related charges, is having his salary held by the team. Billups, under contract until 2026-27, had agreed to a multiyear extension earlier this year. There has been no official comment from either the Heat or the Trail Blazers regarding these developments.
Rozier’s attorney confirmed that a federal tax lien filed against Rozier in 2023 has been satisfied. The lien, initially reported by ESPN, showed an unpaid balance of over $8 million for the 2021 tax year, but Rozier’s attorney clarified that the actual amount owed was significantly less and has been paid.
Federal officials allege that Rozier conspired with associates to influence bets on his statistical performance in a game while playing for the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, before his move to the Miami Heat. The charges against Rozier are akin to those faced by former player Jontay Porter, who was banned from the league for similar actions.
The NBA, currently reviewing its handling of sensitive information and player conduct, has faced scrutiny from lawmakers regarding how it investigates and addresses such allegations, particularly in light of Rozier’s case.