The NBA allowed Terry Rozier to continue playing after a 2023 investigation into suspected gambling activities because it did not find sufficient evidence of wrongdoing, although the league never technically cleared him, NBA spokesman Mike Bass said.
Rozier was arrested last week and indicted on two federal charges, alleging he shared information that he was going to end a March 23, 2023, game early with a friend who had sold it to sports gamblers. The guard played in 125 games over the past two seasons following the league’s investigation.
Multiple sportsbooks flagged suspicious bets on Rozier ahead of the 2023 game, when he played for the Charlotte Hornets. Rozier left the team after just 9 minutes and 34 seconds, scoring five points (16 fewer than his season average) while betting $263,000 on his prop bets.
“At the time, we did not find sufficient evidence to conclude that Rozier had violated the league rules,” Bass told The Athletic. “As is typical of NBA investigations, this conclusion was dependent on any new evidence we might receive.”
The NBA interviewed Rozier and examined his phone before allowing him to continue playing. The league shared its findings with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, which secured indictments this month.
Bass acknowledged the league’s investigative limitations compared to law enforcement agencies. The NBA employs a sports gambling investigative team led by a top lawyer and former federal prosecutor.
“The NBA does not have the same authority and investigative capabilities as the federal government, including the power to subpoena anyone, law enforcement oversight, wiretaps and search warrants,” Bass said.
Rozier’s attorney Jim Trusty claims the guard suffered a legitimate injury during the match in question. Bass confirmed at the time that an MRI documented Rozier’s injury.
Rozier, through his attorney, has denied the federal charges. The case raises questions about the effectiveness of league investigations into suspected gambling activities without law enforcement resources.
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