NBA Arbitrator Rules Terry Rozier Must Receive Full Salary Amid Gambling Allegations

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, facing accusations related to a gambling conspiracy, has been granted the right to receive his full $26.6 million salary for the current season. This decision came after an arbitrator ruled that the NBA does not have the authority to place Rozier on unpaid leave, according to his legal representative.

In October, Rozier was placed on unpaid leave by the NBA following a federal indictment concerning an alleged sports gambling operation. However, on Monday, the arbitrator sided with Rozier, a decision his attorney highlighted as a significant win. “Terry’s case was decided based on principles detailed in contract law and the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and the players,” explained attorney Jim Trusty in a statement to NBC News. “The more significant issue at hand is the presumption of innocence, affirming that the NBA cannot bypass this vital concept just because the situation is highly visible.”

Neither the Miami Heat nor the NBA offered comments regarding this arbitration ruling.

Rozier has entered a not guilty plea concerning charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Federal prosecutors accused him of feigning a foot injury during a March 2023 game while he played for the Charlotte Hornets. According to the indictment, Rozier allegedly informed a friend prior to the game against the New Orleans Pelicans that he intended to leave the match in the first quarter due to a supposed injury and wouldn’t return. The prosecution claims this friend then sold the information to co-conspirators, enabling them to place bets based on privileged information.

In December, Rozier filed a motion to have the charges against him dismissed, although the judge has not yet made a decision on this request.

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), which filed the grievance supporting Rozier, expressed satisfaction with the arbitrator’s decision, particularly regarding his salary protection. “We are pleased with the arbitrator’s ruling and remain committed to ensuring Terry’s due process rights are respected and to uphold his presumption of innocence during this entire process,” a spokesperson for the NBPA stated.

Chloe Atkins, part of the NBC News National Security and Law Unit in New York, contributed to this report.