NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who was arrested in October as part of an FBI investigation into illegal sports betting, was reportedly released by the team on Friday.
Rozier, 32, had been away from the team since his arrest and was placed on leave by the NBA for his alleged involvement in illegal sports betting during his time with the Charlotte Hornets. ESPN first reported his release.
Rozier pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering in December.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
During one game in 2023, Rozier played less than 10 minutes citing a foot injury. Several people placed high bets on Rozier to play poorly before the game, and all of those people won their bets.
Rozier, who signed a four-year, $96.3 million contract extension through 2023, will have his contract come off the books after the season. The $26.6 million he was due to earn this season was placed on hold as his case unfolds.
WARRIORS’ DRAYMOND GREEN FLOATS NBA TANKING FIX, SAYS PLAY-IN TOURNAMENT ‘AIN’T WORKING’
Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier (3) looks to suit up against the Boston Celtics in the second half at the Spectrum Center. (Nell Redmond/USA Today Sports)
The Hornets traded Rozier to the Heat in January 2024, a trade that has come under scrutiny in light of the allegations. The Heat were not aware of the federal and NBA investigations into Rozier at the time of the trade.
After the allegations came to light, the Hornets agreed to give the Heat a second-round pick in the upcoming draft.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) handles the ball in the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena in Washington, District of Columbia on March 31, 2025. (Reggie Hildred/Imagn Images)
For the Heat, the reported release of Rozier allows them to clear a roster spot heading into the playoffs.
The Heat, at 41-39, are currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference and are poised to make the Play-In Tournament, as the 11th-placed Milwaukee Bucks are 31-49 and nowhere near competing for the final spot.
