Terry Rozier Arrested in Shocking Gambling Scandal
Former Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier has been arrested by the FBI, shaking the foundation of the NBA as the league grapples with the implications of a burgeoning gambling scandal. The arrest occurred Thursday morning, and it is tied to an extensive illegal gambling operation that allegedly involved significant betting against Rozier himself.
The Context of the Arrest
Rozier’s arrest comes on the heels of a promising season opener for the Hornets, who celebrated a resounding 136-117 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at the Spectrum Center. As the Charlotte fanbase savored the win, thoughts of a brighter future flickered in the air, fueled by the diligent efforts of President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson and Head Coach Charles Lee. In the previous three seasons, however, the Hornets had struggled, compiling a dismal record of 67 wins against 179 losses.
Despite the excitement surrounding the team and its fresh start, the shadow of Rozier’s legal troubles loomed large. Earlier investigations had already raised eyebrows. According to reports, Rozier was scrutinized for potential manipulation of his performance as part of an illegal sports betting scheme. Allegations surfaced that a gambling ring conspired with former NBA player Jontay Porter, who faced a ban for intentionally underperforming during games to aid bettors. On March 23, 2023, Rozier played a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, during which the Hornets suffered a 115-96 defeat. Rozier scored just five points and exited the game early due to a “sore right foot,” leading to unusual betting activity that caught the attention of sportsbooks.
The FBI Investigation
Initially, the NBA cleared Rozier of any wrongdoing following an investigation, with a league spokesman affirming that no violations of NBA rules were found. However, the narrative shifted dramatically on Thursday when Rozier was taken into custody in Orlando, Florida. The FBI has leveled serious charges against him, alleging that he was involved in a scheme to rig games in connection with sports bettors.
FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the media in Brooklyn, shedding light on the scope of the operation. “Individuals such as Chauncey Billups, Damon Jones, and Terry Rozier were taken into custody today, former and current NBA players and coaches,” Patel stated. He emphasized the long-term nature of the illegal gambling and game-rigging operation.
Specific Allegations Against Rozier
The FBI’s investigation uncovered that insider information was used to place bets on several teams, including the Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Toronto Raptors. Rozier allegedly informed associates that he intended to leave the game against the Pelicans early, prompting them to bet on his underperformance. This information led to a staggering $200,000 wager against him, coinciding with his early departure from the game.
Rozier’s journey with the Hornets began in the 2019 offseason when he was acquired via a sign-and-trade that sent Kemba Walker to Boston. Over 298 games with Charlotte, Rozier showcased his scoring ability, averaging 20 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds. The Hornets rewarded his contributions with a four-year, $97 million contract extension prior to the 2021-22 season. However, his time with the franchise was cut short when he was traded to the Miami Heat in January 2024 in exchange for Kyle Lowry and a protected 2027 first-round pick.
As the NBA community processes this unfolding scandal, the implications for Rozier and the league at large remain to be seen.
