Arbitrator Rules NBA Must Pay Terry Rozier’s Full Salary Amid Gambling Allegations

Terry Rozier, a guard for the Miami Heat, is set to receive his complete $26.6 million salary for the current season despite being caught up in a gambling controversy. An arbitrator has ruled that the NBA cannot place Rozier on unpaid leave, as initially attempted, following federal charges related to a sports gambling scheme. The news was shared by Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty.

According to Trusty, Rozier’s victory aligns with principles of contract law and the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NBA and its players. 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.” This decision highlights the need to adhere to legal principles, even in prominent cases like Rozier’s.

The Miami Heat have not made any comments regarding the situation, and the NBA has not responded to requests for their statement. Rozier, maintaining his innocence, has entered a not-guilty plea to charges involving conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Federal prosecutors accuse Rozier of feigning a foot injury during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in March 2023, while he was with the Charlotte Hornets. It’s alleged that Rozier had informed a friend of his intention to exit the game early due to the fake injury, and the friend subsequently shared this information with others to facilitate fraudulent bets based on non-public details. Rozier, however, has filed a motion to have these charges dismissed, though a ruling on that motion has yet to be issued.

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), which filed a grievance on Rozier’s behalf, expressed satisfaction with the arbitrator’s decision. A spokesperson for the NBPA affirmed their dedication to protecting Rozier’s due process rights and ensuring the presumption of innocence is upheld throughout the proceedings.

Chloe Atkins contributes to the coverage of this story for NBC News’ National Security and Law Unit, stationed in New York.