Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is under federal investigation in connection with former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter’s betting scandal.
Michael Rosenberg and Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated reported that authorities are reviewing Rozier’s performance in a 2023 game when he was with the Charlotte Hornets.
The NBA conducted its own investigation and found no violations, but federal investigators continue to examine the case.
Rozier, 30, has not been charged with any crime, though his name has surfaced in the ongoing probe linked to illegal sports betting.
Porter was banned for life by the NBA in April 2024 after an investigation revealed he deliberately manipulated his in-game performance for gambling purposes.
Federal authorities allege Porter placed bets on NBA games using another person’s account and shared confidential injury information with bettors.
Porter, who earned around $400,000 at the time, reportedly built up significant gambling debts and conspired with others to influence games.
One notable incident occurred on March 20, 2024, when Porter exited a game early due to illness, triggering a suspicious $80,000 parlay bet that would have paid $1.1 million.
That bet was flagged as unusual, leading to a broader investigation that uncovered Porter’s involvement in illegal betting activities.
Following his ban, Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in July 2024, facing a likely prison sentence of 41 to 51 months.
Authorities arrested multiple individuals connected to the scheme, including alleged co-conspirator Long Phi Pham, who was detained while attempting to flee the country.
Investigators are also examining potential links between this gambling ring and unusual wagers on at least nine college basketball games over the past two seasons.
The scope of the federal inquiry has expanded, with authorities identifying irregular betting patterns involving at least five college programs.
Rozier, now in his second season with the Heat, is averaging 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. His scoring numbers are the lowest since the 2018-19 season, when he averaged 9 points per game with the Boston Celtics.
It remains unclear how Rozier’s name became tied to the investigation, but Sports Illustrated sources indicate that federal authorities are actively looking into his case.
The NBA has stated it is fully cooperating with the investigation led by the Eastern District.
Rozier’s legal standing is uncertain, but any direct involvement in game manipulation or illegal betting could lead to severe consequences.
The NBA has taken a firm stance against gambling-related misconduct, as seen with Porter’s lifetime ban and the implementation of new league-wide betting restrictions.
The league introduced the “Jontay Porter Rule,” barring sportsbooks from offering player prop bets on athletes under two-way or 10-day contracts.
