Terry Rozier of the Heat prevails in salary disagreement with the NBA.
An arbitrator ruled on Monday in favor of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier regarding a salary dispute with the NBA that emerged following his federal indictment in a gambling investigation, sources informed ESPN.
Rozier’s salary, which has been held in escrow since December, will be released after the arbitrator determined that according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, players cannot be placed on unpaid leave except in instances of domestic or child abuse, sources with knowledge of the ruling stated.
The Heat and NBA agreed to place Rozier’s salary for the 2025-26 season in escrow after his arrest and indictment in October as part of a federal gambling probe that also involved Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups.
The NBPA contested the decision to withhold his salary, which is approximately $26.6 million.
“We are satisfied with the arbitrator’s decision and remain dedicated to ensuring that Terry’s due process rights are upheld and that he is granted the presumption of innocence throughout this matter,” a representative for the National Basketball Players Association stated in a comment to ESPN.
ESPN has contacted the NBA for a response.
Rozier has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges related to wire fraud and money laundering. His legal team submitted a motion to dismiss the case in December, citing government overreach. The government’s reply to that motion is expected today.
Federal prosecutors claim Rozier informed an associate that he would exit early during a March 2023 game while he was with the Charlotte Hornets. This associate allegedly sold the information to gamblers, who then placed over $200,000 in bets on the under regarding Rozier’s statistics for that game.
Rozier is still listed on the Heat’s roster, but has yet to play this season.
