Charlotte Hornets Cancel Sports Betting Promotional Night
The Charlotte Hornets have recently decided to scrap a Sports Betting promotional night that was scheduled for March 17, coinciding with a game against the Miami Heat, where former Hornets guard Terry Rozier was expected to participate. This cancellation comes in the wake of a federal investigation involving Rozier and his potential involvement in an illegal gambling operation connected to his performance during the 2022-23 NBA season.
Terry Rozier Under Scrutiny
Rozier, who played for the Hornets from 2019 to 2024, finds himself under scrutiny due to a game in which a bettor wagered nearly $14,000 on statistical unders relating to his performance. In that particular game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Rozier exited after only nine minutes owing to a foot injury, leading to a win for those betting on his performance underachieving.
While Rozier has not been accused of placing any bets himself, the inquiry is focused on whether he may have influenced his performance for the benefit of illegal gambling activities. The Wall Street Journal highlighted in January that this investigation is part of a broader initiative examining various gambling-related misconducts in the NBA.
Comparisons to Other NBA Incidents
This scrutiny echoes a recent situation involving ex-Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter, who received a lifetime ban from the NBA for leaking inside information to bettors and adjusting his game participation due to betting motives.
Hornets’ Response and Future Promotions
When the Hornets were asked about the cancellation of the Sports Betting night, they did not reference the ongoing federal investigation, instead simply stating that the planned promotion was “no longer happening on that day.”
At this time, it remains uncertain whether the Hornets intend to reschedule this promotional event. Looking ahead, the Hornets have several other promotional activities lined up for the 2025-26 NBA season, including Breast Cancer Awareness Night, Pride Night, and HBCU Day.
