NBPA says arbitrator rules Terry Rozier should receive $26.6M salary despite gambling charges
An arbitrator ruled that Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier should receive his full $26.6M salary despite facing federal gambling charges.Summary
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced that an arbitrator has decided Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is entitled to his $26.6 million salary for the current season, despite being on administrative leave due to federal gambling-related charges. Rozier’s paychecks have been held in an interest-bearing account, but the arbitrator’s ruling affirms the NBPA’s argument that his case doesn’t warrant salary withholding under the collective bargaining agreement. The NBPA expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing Rozier’s right to due process and the presumption of innocence. The decision has little practical impact on the Heat, as his salary was already accounted for in their cap.
Rozier was arrested in October as part of a larger investigation involving over 30 people, including Portland coach Chauncey Billups. He is accused of conspiring to help associates win bets based on his performance in a March 2023 game with the Charlotte Hornets, where gamblers profited from wagers that he would finish “under” certain statistical totals. The Heat traded for Rozier in January 2024, unaware of the federal investigation.
Rozier’s legal team is seeking to have the charges dismissed, arguing the government improperly escalated a private dispute into a federal case. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy and is scheduled to appear in court in March.
(Source：Livemint)