Former NBA guard Terry Rozier is in the midst of a court trial on federal charges that were brought to light as part of a major FBI sting operation in October.
Just as the NBA season began, Rozier was arrested alongside then-Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups as part of an operation that targeted an illegal gambling scheme as well as an illegal poker ring.
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Nearly three dozen people were arrested as part of the sting.
Newly obtained court documents show that an arbitrator ruled that Rozier must forfeit most of his $26.6 million salary from the Miami Heat for the 2025-26 season, in which he did not play in.
While it was initially determined that Rozier would receive the salary since he was on administrative leave, the arbitrator’s latest ruling was made due to his conditions of release from jail.
These conditions prohibited Rozier from making any contact with the Miami Heat or Charlotte Hornets, something that the NBA said limited Rozier’s ability to fulfill his contract obligations.
In October, the 32-year-old was arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
The FBI alleges that Rozier planned to remove himself from a game early while on the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, hoping to help a sports bettor cash out on his “under” bet.
He has since pleaded not guilty, but the conditions for his release from jail included a no-contact order for both the Hornets and the Heat.
While that order has been lifted regarding the Heat, it remains in place for the Hornets. Rozier’s attorneys argue that this prevents him from entering NBA free agency and joining a team.
His next court date is set for June 10, so additional rulings may not be far away.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
