The National Basketball Players Association will appeal the NBA’s decision to place Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier on unpaid leave following his arrest on federal charges related to an illegal sports gambling scheme, citing the league’s action as inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement.
The NBA placed Rozier on leave hours after the Department of Justice unsealed charges accusing him of sharing his intent to leave a March 23, 2023 game early with co-defendant Deniro Laster. Laster allegedly sold that information for $100,000 to sports bettors.
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups also faces federal charges for his alleged involvement in a rigged poker game ring. He was similarly placed on unpaid leave by the NBA.
“While we are in agreement with the league that upholding the integrity of the game is of the utmost importance, their decision to place Terry on leave without pay is counter to the presumption of innocence and inconsistent with the terms of our collective bargaining agreement,” an NBPA spokesperson said. “We plan to challenge their decision via the proper channels.”
The NBA previously investigated Rozier when he played for the Charlotte Hornets after suspicious wagering activity raised red flags. The league cleared him and he continued playing for the last two seasons.
Rozier’s $26.4 million salary will be placed in escrow, league sources confirmed. The amount represents the final year of his four-year, $96.3 million contract.
The NBA’s 676-page collective bargaining agreement does not specifically allow the league to place players on unpaid leave for gambling-related matters. The only provision for unpaid leave appears in the domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy section.
The NBA Constitution’s Article 35 grants Commissioner Adam Silver broad discretion to punish players who wager on NBA games. The penalty may include fines, suspension, expulsion or perpetual disqualification.
The NBA banned Jontay Porter in April 2024 after finding he bet on games and manipulated statistics. Porter later pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges brought by the same U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuting Rozier.