Terry Rozier’s Financial and Legal Troubles
Terry Rozier, a player in the NBA currently embroiled in allegations linked to illicit sports betting, has ended a significant financial entanglement with the federal government regarding a hefty tax lien. On October 29, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officially released a lien totaling $8.2 million placed upon Rozier’s assets, confirming its resolution in Broward County, Florida, where he resides. This lien had initially been reported in August 2023.
Allegations of Sports Betting
This financial matter coincided with ongoing legal troubles for Rozier, who has been indicted for reportedly participating in a sports betting scheme that involved wagering on his own performance while playing for the Charlotte Hornets. According to the indictment, he allegedly informed a friend, Deniro Laster, that he would leave a game against the New Orleans Pelicans early on March 23, 2023. Utilizing this insider information, Laster and others wagered a significant sum—$200,000—on Rozier underperforming his usual statistical benchmarks.
At the time of the game, Rozier was having a noteworthy season, averaging 35.3 minutes on the court and scoring approximately 21.1 points per game. However, he exited the contest under 10 minutes into the first quarter, ultimately scoring only five points.
Legal Representation and Future Proceedings
Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, stated in a previous ESPN interview that Rozier only owed $9,000 of the original tax bill, insisting that this amount had already been settled. Trusty expressed the hope that the IRS would assist in formally lifting the lien.
Following his arrest on October 23, Rozier, now with the Miami Heat, faced immediate suspension from the NBA. This decision was met with pushback from the NBA Players Association, which vowed to contest the move. The indictment further alleges that after the game on March 23, Laster traveled from Philadelphia to Rozier’s home in Charlotte to tally up the earnings produced through their betting schemes.
Rozier’s arraignment is slated for next month, with Trusty confirming that the athlete intends to plead not guilty to the charges levied against him.
