NBA Clarifies Terry Rozier’s Return During Gambling Probe
The NBA has addressed the return of Terry Rozier during an ongoing gambling investigation. This clarification highlights previous findings and recent developments surrounding the player.
NBA Investigation Summary
Two years ago, the NBA launched an investigation into guard Terry Rozier’s conduct while he was with the Charlotte Hornets. The inquiry was prompted by suspicious betting activities linked to prop bets involving Rozier.
Despite in-depth interviews and an investigation into his phone, the league found insufficient evidence of any wrongdoing. Consequently, Rozier was allowed to continue playing in the league.
Recent Developments
On March 23, 2023, multiple sportsbooks flagged unusual betting patterns on Rozier prior to a game. This raised alarms as he exited the game early, playing just nine minutes and 34 seconds and scoring only five points, significantly below his season average.
- Total amount bet on Rozier: $263,000
- Points scored: 5 (16 fewer than average)
- Game duration: 9 minutes and 34 seconds
Shortly after these events, Rozier was arrested and indicted on two federal charges. The allegations state that he shared information about coming out of the game early with a friend, who subsequently sold that information to sports bettors.
NBA’s Role and Limitations
NBA spokesperson Mike Bass clarified that although Rozier was not technically cleared by the league, the investigation’s findings did not warrant immediate action at that time. He emphasized that the NBA’s investigative ability differs from law enforcement agencies.
- Lack of subpoena power
- Absence of law enforcement tools such as surveillance and search warrants
The NBA had previously shared its findings with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, which has now moved forward with indictments against Rozier.
Injury and Defense
Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, asserted that the player suffered from a legitimate injury at the time of the game. Additionally, Bass confirmed that an MRI validated Rozier’s claim of injury.
This situation raises important questions about the effectiveness of the NBA’s investigations into sports gambling activities. As the league continues to navigate challenges involving gambling integrity, ongoing scrutiny will likely accompany its future probes.
