Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, one of the key names in an NBA illegal gambling investigation, will be paid for the 2025-2026 season. On Monday, an arbitrator ruled in favor of Rozier, whose salary has been held in escrow since December. The NBA placed him on indefinite leave in October following his arrest on gambling charges.
The only reasons for unpaid leave are domestic abuse or child abuse.
The arbitrator determined that, despite the arrest, indictment, and leave of absence, Rozier’s salary could not be withheld, according to the rules set forth by the collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). The only reasons for unpaid leave are domestic abuse or child abuse.
“We are pleased with the arbitrator’s ruling and remain committed to ensuring Terry’s due process rights are protected and that he is afforded the presumption of innocence throughout this process,” a spokesperson for the NBPA told ESPN.
Rozier is accused of faking an injury to exit a March 2023 game early while a member of the Charlotte Hornets. He allegedly told a friend he would do so and that person sold the inside information to known gamblers, who bet over $200,000 on Rozier “under” prop bets. Because Rozier left the contest early, he did not hit the statistical targets sportsbooks had set, thus allowing the unders to win.
Rozier has not played this season, though he is still on the Miami roster. Earlier this month, the Heat opted to keep him beyond the waiver deadline, guaranteeing his full salary for the season. While the team knows he likely will not play, he could be a potential trade piece in order to make salaries match in a deal by the February 5 trade deadline.
Miami is rumored to be a suitor for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and some trade packages brainstormed in the media include Rozier because of his expiring contract.
