The lawyer for Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier says his client will fight allegations that he was involved in a wide-ranging gambling ring that has resulted in more than 30 arrests.
In a statement to USA TODAY, attorney Jim Trusty says investigators previously told Rozier he was ‘a subject, not a target’ of the gambling probe. However, following Rozier’s arrest on Thursday, Oct. 23, Trusty says FBI officials ‘appear to be taking the word of spectacularly in-credible sources rather than relying on actual evidence of wrongdoing.’
Trusty noted that the NBA conducted its own preliminary investigation last year after the allegations first surfaced. ‘Terry was cleared by the NBA and these prosecutors revived that non-case,’ he said.
Trusty took particular issue with the way Rozier was taken into custody Thursday morning at the Heat’s team hotel in Orlando, Florida.
‘It is unfortunate that instead of allowing him to self-surrender they opted for a photo op. They wanted the misplaced glory of embarrassing a professional athlete with a perp walk. That tells you a lot about the motivations in this case.’
At the center of attention in Rozier’s case is a March 23, 2023, game between the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans. Sports books in several states flagged unusual betting activity on Rozier’s statistics, triggering a halt on his prop bets. Rozier, who averaged 35.3 minutes and 21.1 points per game that season, left the game after playing just 10 minutes due to a foot injury.
Justice Department officials alleged on Thursday that more than $200,000 was bet on Rozier’s ‘under’ in the game.
‘Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight.’