Terry Rozier Triumphs in Heat’s Salary Dispute with NBA
An arbitrator has ruled in favor of Terry Rozier, the Miami Heat guard, in a significant salary dispute with the NBA. This ruling stems from Rozier’s federal indictment related to a gambling investigation, which saw his earnings held in escrow since December 2025.
Terry Rozier’s Salary Dispute with the NBA
The recent arbitration decision found that players cannot be placed on unpaid leave unless there is evidence of domestic or child abuse. This ruling underlines the importance of players’ rights as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.
Background of the Case
- Arrest Date: October 2025
- Salary in Dispute: Approximately $26.6 million
- Current Team: Miami Heat
- Previous Team: Charlotte Hornets
Jim Trusty, Rozier’s attorney, emphasized the significance of the presumption of innocence in high-profile cases. The resolution of this arbitration serves as a reminder to the NBA about the need to uphold this principle.
The National Basketball Players Association’s Response
The NBA Players Association (NBPA) has expressed satisfaction with the arbitrator’s ruling. They are committed to protecting Rozier’s due process rights throughout the ongoing legal proceedings.
Charges Against Rozier
Rozier has pleaded not guilty to serious charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. His legal team filed a motion to dismiss the case, alleging government overreach.
The government claims Rozier provided inside information about a 2023 game, which was sold to gamblers. This caused significant betting, exceeding $200,000, against Rozier’s performance stats.
Current Status
Despite being on the Heat’s roster, Rozier has not yet played this season. The case continues to develop as legal proceedings move forward.
