On Thursday, Terry Rozier, an NBA player for the Miami Heat, was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of a widespread investigation into alleged illegal sports betting operations. His attorney, Jim Trusty, accused the FBI of seeking ‘misplaced glory’ by publicly arresting the player, despite prior clearances. This led to the NBA placing Rozier on leave immediately following the indictments.
Rozier was among over 30 individuals arrested in two separate FBI probes, which are linked to alleged rigged poker games and illegal sports betting with suspected ties to crime families in New York. Although the second indictment does not name Rozier, he faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Trusty stated that his client was previously cleared of wrongdoing by the NBA and the FBI, suggesting a potential discrepancy in the current legal proceedings.
According to the indictment, Rozier allegedly exited a 2023 game early, citing an injury, to allow a co-conspirator, Deniro Laster, to place wagers on his ‘under’ prop bets. This strategy reportedly led to a significant financial gain for those involved, with bets totaling around $200,000. The legal team argues that the FBI’s actions indicate a broader issue with the agency’s motives, potentially prioritizing public relations over genuine investigative integrity.
Trusty’s statement outside court emphasized that an initial investigation had cleared Rozier, indicating a possible conflict between past and present legal proceedings. As the case unfolds, it underscores the complexities of legal accountability and the role of law enforcement in high-profile sports betting cases.