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Terry Rozier’s college coach, Rick Pitino, reached out to his former player after Rozier was indicted in an illegal gambling case.
Pitino, who coached Rozier at Louisville, said he was “shocked” by the news of Rozier’s alleged involvement and arrest “because Terry makes $22 million a year.”
“It’s not like him,” Pitino told OutKick’s Dan Dakich.
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Louisville Cardinals guard Terry Rozier (left) and coach Rick Pitino celebrate against the Northern Iowa Panthers in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at KeyArena. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)
Rozier is charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering.
“I love Terry. I wrote him, ‘Terry, if I can be of any help. I love you, son. If there’s anything I can do to help you, please reach out to me.’ I don’t know what happens to him there. It doesn’t sound like someone making $22 million is worried about a bet. It makes no sense to me at all.”
Rozier’s charges stem from a game in which he played less than 10 minutes, citing a foot injury. Several players placed high bets on Rozier to perform poorly before the game, which everyone won.
Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, admitted that Rozier “told a friend” he was going to take himself out of a game early, which “is not a crime.”
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier during the second half against the Washington Wizards March 31, 2024 in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
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Neither Hornets officials nor betting companies were made aware of Rozier’s plan, according to the indictment, and Rozier was not listed on the team’s injury report.
After Rozier played just nine minutes and never returned, the bets won. Rozier and his friend, Deniro Laster, counted the winnings at Rozier’s home in Charlotte about a week later, the indictment states.
When asked if Rozier provided inside information for the purpose of illegal betting, Trusty said the answer was an “absolute no. Never happened.”
Rozier was placed on immediate leave from the Miami Heat, the NBA announced shortly after the arrest, “and we will continue to cooperate with the appropriate authorities.”
Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier looks to suit up against the Boston Celtics in the second half at the Spectrum Center. (Nell Redmond/USA Today Sports)
“The integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the NBA said.
