The NBA has once again found itself embroiled in a sports betting-related controversy.
According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, federal prosecutors have initiated an investigation into Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier over his alleged involvement in an illegal sports betting scheme. The scheme allegedly led to Rozier manipulating his play.
Federal prosecutors are looking into Rozier as part of an investigation that led to the lifetime banishment from the NBA of former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter.
Rozier’s alleged involvement in the illegal gambling scheme stems from Porter’s co-conspirators wagering a large sum of money on Rozier during the 2022-2023 season.
The bets in question came during a 2023 game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The wagers, on Rozier’s player prop markets, were flagged by U.S. Integrity. The consultancy firm notified the NBA and operators with some shutting down their markets.
Rozier only played nine minutes during the game against the Pelicans due to injury.
“We are aware of the NBA’s 2023 investigation which determined there was absolutely no wrongdoing by Mr. Rozier and we are confident that the ongoing government investigation will arrive at the exact same conclusion,” said Rozier’s attorney Jim Trusty.
Rozier hasn’t been charged or accused of a crime as the investigation continues.
Rozier, drafted with the 16th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, has an established NBA career with a stint also with the Charlotte Hornets. According to Spotrac, Rozier has amassed $133.8 million in career earnings through 2024.
Porter’s ban from the NBA
Last July, Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a New York federal court after providing insider information to a group of co-conspirators to pay back significant gambling debts. According to court documents, the co-conspirators encouraged Porter to exit certain NBA games early to pay back his outstanding debt.
In January 2024, Porter notified the co-conspirators of his intention to exit a game against the Los Angeles Clippers early due to injury. As a result of the notice, the co-conspirators placed wagers on the “under” player prop market for Porter. The former NBA forward exited the Clippers game early with limited minutes with the group winning over $100,000.
Two months later, Porter exited a game against the Sacramento Kings early after notifying his family and team officials of a battle with “food poisoning.” Porter once again notified the co-conspirators who then placed retail and online wagers on his “under” props.
The bets placed by the co-conspirators through the online operators were flagged for suspicious activity leading to a report to the NBA and the International Betting Integrity Association. The report led to the NBA opening an investigation.
Porter was scheduled to be sentenced last month but has a hearing set for May 20.
