Terry Rozier, guard for the Miami Heat, and Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, were arrested on Thursday linked to a federal investigation into sports betting, sources revealed to The Associated Press.
The specific charges against Rozier and Billups have not yet been made public. Reports indicate that two sources discussed the ongoing investigation under the condition of anonymity due to its sensitivity. The NBA has withheld providing comments about the arrests.
This is not the first time Rozier has faced scrutiny; he previously cooperated with an NBA and FBI investigation in 2023, after which his lawyer stated he was cleared of wrongdoing.
Rozier was present in uniform for the Heat’s game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night but did not play, and he was taken into custody early Thursday morning. The team has not released a statement regarding the incident.
The investigation is being conducted by the same office in Brooklyn that prosecuted ex-NBA player Jontay Porter for earlier sports betting-related offenses.
Investigators are particularly interested in Rozier's performance during a game on March 23, 2023, against the New Orleans Pelicans, which raised questions from bettors who felt something was amiss with how the game unfolded. Many expressed their frustrations on social media when Rozier exited after just a few minutes, leading to speculation about potential betting misconduct.
FBI Director Kash Patel and other officials are anticipated to detail more about the investigation during a press conference, as the basketball and sports betting communities watch closely for developments.
