NBA Guard Terry Rozier Arrested for Allegedly Faking Injury

NBA guard Terry Rozier was arrested on October 5, 2023, for allegedly faking an injury during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 23, 2023. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Rozier’s actions reportedly allowed his friend to profit from illegal gambling activities linked to the game.

Details of the Incident

Rozier, who was playing for the Charlotte Hornets at the time, exited the game in the first quarter after displaying signs of a foot injury. The incident occurred shortly after he made a basket from near the free-throw line. Footage from the game reveals Rozier appearing to limp and gripping his ankle before leaving the court, where he did not return for the remainder of the match.

After his exit, Rozier’s friend, Deniro Laster, allegedly placed around $200,000 in bets predicting that Rozier would underperform. The U.S. Attorney’s Office indicated that these bets paid off, resulting in “tens of thousands of dollars” in profits. Laster reportedly drove through the night to Rozier’s house to share the winnings.

Legal Implications and Career Consequences

The case against Rozier is part of a broader investigation into illegal gambling practices that has led to the indictment of six individuals, including Rozier himself. The implications of this scandal are profound, threatening both Rozier’s professional career and his reputation. Currently under contract with the Miami Heat for nearly $26 million per year, he previously signed a four-year extension worth approximately $96.3 million with the Hornets ahead of the 2022 NBA season. Throughout his ten-year career, Rozier has earned over $160 million.

This incident highlights the growing concerns over integrity in sports, particularly in relation to gambling. As authorities continue their investigation, the NBA’s reputation is at stake, with questions arising about what measures are in place to prevent such manipulative actions from occurring in the future.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the basketball community will be watching closely to see how this situation develops and what consequences Rozier may face as a result of his alleged involvement in this betting scheme.