Miami Heat Guard Charged in Federal Sports Gambling Investigation

Terry Rozier was arrested Thursday in Miami after being named in a federal investigation right into a sprawling unlawful sports activities betting ring that allegedly concerned NBA insiders and arranged crime networks working throughout 11 states.

The Miami Heat guard is considered one of 34 people charged within the FBI-led operation, which incorporates accusations of wire fraud, racketeering and recreation manipulation. Prosecutors declare Rozier offered inside data to co-conspirators who then positioned giant bets on NBA video games.

According to the federal indictment, Rozier knowledgeable an affiliate on March 23, 2023—whereas nonetheless with the Charlotte Hornets—that he would pretend an damage and exit the sport early. He left the courtroom simply 9 minutes into the matchup, enabling the group to put a $200,000 wager in opposition to his projected efficiency.

Rozier’s Absence From Season Opener Raises Questions

The 31-year-old missed the Heat’s season opener Wednesday evening in opposition to the Orlando Magic, citing a hamstring subject. That absence now looms bigger following his arrest and the allegations tied to the betting conspiracy.

Rozier, at the moment in his eleventh NBA season, has performed 665 video games and averaged 13.9 factors. His present contract with Miami runs by means of 2026 and is value over $97 million.

FBI Details Scope of Multi-State Operation

FBI Director Kash Patel known as the case “historic” and confirmed the investigation stays ongoing.

“This is an illegal gambling operation and sports rigging operation that spanned the course of years. The FBI led a coordinated takedown across 11 states to arrest over 30 individuals today responsible for this case, which is very much ongoing,” Patel stated throughout a press convention.

Christopher Raia, assistant director of the FBI’s New York Field Office, stated the betting ring included 13 members and associates of main Mafia households, together with present and former NBA personnel.

Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones Also Named

Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and former NBA Finals MVP, was additionally arrested in connection to the investigation. He faces prices tied to a high-stakes poker ring allegedly backed by members of the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese crime households.

Billups, 49, coached Portland in its season opener in opposition to Minnesota on Wednesday evening. He was taken into custody lower than 24 hours later.

Federal prosecutors stated the poker video games had been rigged utilizing tampered shuffling machines and X-ray gadgets able to studying playing cards, permitting the group to defraud gamers of thousands and thousands.

“The fraud is mind-boggling. It’s not hundreds of dollars. It’s not thousands of dollars. It’s not tens of thousands of dollars. It’s not even millions of dollars. We’re talking about tens of millions of dollars in fraud and theft and robbery,” Patel stated.

Also charged was former Cleveland Cavaliers participant and assistant coach Damon Jones, who prosecutors say participated in the identical betting ring as Rozier.

NBA Yet to Respond as Legal Process Begins

The NBA has not issued disciplinary motion in opposition to Rozier or Billups. Both are anticipated to look in courtroom later this week.

The case comes months after former Toronto Raptors ahead Jontay Porter acquired a lifetime ban from the league after pleading responsible to wire fraud for betting on his personal staff to lose.

Federal authorities say extra arrests may comply with because the investigation continues.

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