Heat Release Rozier After Betting Arrest: ESPN

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was released by the team on Friday, ESPN reported. The 32-year-old had been away from the Heat since his October arrest in an FBI investigation into illegal sports betting. The NBA placed Rozier on leave for his alleged involvement during his time with the Charlotte Hornets.

Rozier pleaded not guilty in December to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. In a 2023 game against the Washington Wizards, he played fewer than 10 minutes due to a foot injury, after which multiple bettors won high-stakes wagers on his poor performance.

The Hornets traded Rozier to the Heat in January 2024, a deal now under scrutiny. The Heat were unaware of the federal and NBA probes at the time; the Hornets later sent Miami a second-round draft pick. Rozier had signed a four-year, $96.3 million extension in 2023, with his $26.6 million salary for this season held in escrow.

The release clears a roster spot for the Heat, who hold a 41-39 record and the No. 10 position in the Eastern Conference ahead of the Play-In Tournament. The 11th-place Milwaukee Bucks sit at 31-49.