“Text Messages Don’t Lie”: Investigators Uncover Damning Evidence on Terry Rozier’s Phone in Gambling Probe
The Smoking Text
“Wachtell lawyers had access to Rozier and his phone and found that he texted someone that he would come out of a game,” The Athletic reported, citing multiple sources briefed on the investigations.
The text in question dates back to March 2023, when Rozier was still with the Charlotte Hornets. Federal prosecutors allege he conspired with associates to help them win bets.
The timing is damning. Rozier played just nine minutes that night, scoring five points with two assists. Before that game, he was averaging 35 minutes and 21 points per contest.
The NBA’s Dilemma
The Wachtell investigation the same one commissioned by the NBA to maintain integrity did not find enough evidence to suspend Rozier.
“Wachtell did not find enough for the NBA to suspend Rozier, a bad look for the NBA in October when federal prosecutors charged Rozier with doing the very thing for which he was investigated by Anders’ team,” The Athletic noted.
Wachtell lawyers had access to Rozier and his phone, but they could not compel others outside the NBA to participate in the investigation. Federal prosecutors faced no such restrictions.
The Charges
Rozier was arrested October 23, 2025, as part of a sweeping FBI probe that netted more than 30 defendants including Portland coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones.
Prosecutors allege Rozier told a childhood friend, DeNiro Laster, about his plan to exit the game early. Laster allegedly sold that information to sports betting insiders for $100,000.
Rozier has pleaded not guilty. His lawyers have called the case an overreach and asked for charges to be dismissed.
The Salary Battle
Despite the legal turmoil, Rozier won a significant financial victory earlier this month. An arbitrator ruled the NBA could not withhold his $26.6 million salary for the 2025-26 season.
Rozier remains away from the Heat while his case proceeds. He’s due back in court in March.