Terry Rozier Declines to Address Investigation, Says He Won’t Have Issue Focusing on Basketball
MIAMI (AP) —
Terry Rozier declined to answer questions Friday about the investigations by federal prosecutors into unusual betting patterns surrounding his play in a game when he was with the Charlotte Hornets in 2023.
Rozier Linked to Probe
Rozier, now with the Miami Heat, is linked to the same probe that led to former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter being banned for life from the NBA, facing criminal prosecution, and eventually pleading guilty to committing wire fraud. Porter is awaiting sentencing. There has been no indication that Rozier is under criminal investigation, and he has not been charged with a crime.
On Advice from Counsel
“On advice from counsel, I can’t answer any questions about that matter,” Rozier said Friday. “So, I won’t.”
The Investigation
The Wall Street Journal on Thursday first reported the investigation surrounding the Hornets-New Orleans game involving Rozier on March 23, 2023. Rozier left the game after 9 1/2 minutes and did not return, citing foot discomfort. He did not play again for the Hornets that season.
NBA Investigation
The NBA said it has previously looked into the Rozier situation and did not find that any league rules were broken. It confirmed Thursday that there is an investigation by the U.S. attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York, and the league said it is “cooperating with that investigation.”
Rozier’s Status with the Heat
Rozier — averaging 12.1 points per game this season — will continue to play for the Heat, per usual. Miami opens a road trip at San Antonio on Saturday. “His status is still the same,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said when asked about Rozier’s place with the team on Friday.
Rozier’s Focus on Basketball
Rozier said he’s “in a great headspace” and that he does not anticipate any issues being able to focus on playing, even with the investigation now having been revealed publicly. “It’s kind of always been easy. It’s kind of been my life,” Rozier said. “You know, once I get in between those lines, I can block out anything. So, it’ll be pretty easy for me. I’m around a great group of guys. We’ve got a great locker room, great staff, so it’s easy for me.”
The Game in Question
In that March 23, 2023, game, Rozier finished with five points, four rebounds, and two assists in that opening period — a productive quarter, but well below his usual total output for a full game. Posts still online from that date show that some bettors were furious with sportsbooks that evening when it became evident that Rozier was not going to return to the Charlotte-New Orleans game after the first quarter, with many turning to social media to say that something “shady” had gone on regarding the prop bets involving his stats for that night.
Conclusion
Rozier’s situation remains under investigation, but he has declined to comment on the matter. Despite the ongoing investigation, Rozier has stated that he does not anticipate any issues being able to focus on playing for the Heat.
FAQs
Q: What is the investigation about?
A: The investigation is into unusual betting patterns surrounding Terry Rozier’s play in a game when he was with the Charlotte Hornets in 2023.
Q: Is Rozier under criminal investigation?
A: There has been no indication that Rozier is under criminal investigation, and he has not been charged with a crime.
Q: Will Rozier’s status with the Heat be affected by the investigation?
A: Rozier will continue to play for the Heat, per usual.
Q: Has the NBA found any wrongdoing by Rozier?
A: The NBA has previously looked into the Rozier situation and did not find that any league rules were broken.
