NBA Player Terry Rozier to Receive Full Salary Amid Legal Battle

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is set to receive his full $26.6 million salary this season following an arbitrator’s decision that prevents the NBA from placing him on unpaid leave. This ruling comes after Rozier was federally indicted in October over an alleged sports gambling scheme, according to statements made by his attorney.

Previously, the NBA had decided to place Rozier on unpaid leave. However, the recent arbitration decision, announced on Monday, underscored Rozier’s rights under both contract law and the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the league. His attorney, Jim Trusty, emphasized the importance of the presumption of innocence, stating, “The arbitration ruling reminds the NBA that they can’t ignore that important concept just because it’s a high-profile case.”

Neither the Miami Heat nor the NBA have offered comments in response to this ruling. Meanwhile, Rozier has entered a plea of not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Federal prosecutors allege that Rozier faked a foot injury during a March 2023 game when he played for the Charlotte Hornets. Allegedly, Rozier informed a friend before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans that he would “prematurely remove himself” from the game due to an alleged injury. The federal indictment claims that this friend then distributed the non-public information to co-conspirators to make fraudulent wagers.

Rozier, maintaining his innocence, filed a motion to dismiss the charges in December, though the court has not yet rendered a decision on this request.

The National Basketball Players Association, which filed the grievance on Rozier’s behalf, expressed approval of the arbitrator’s judgment regarding Rozier’s salary. A spokesperson highlighted their commitment to ensuring Rozier’s due process rights and emphasized his presumption of innocence throughout the proceedings.

This coverage was reported by Chloe Atkins of NBC News National Security and Law Unit, based in New York.