Arbitrator Rules in Favor of Terry Rozier, Allowing Him to Receive Full Salary Amid Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier will receive his full $26.6 million salary for the current NBA season after an arbitrator ruled that the franchise cannot withhold his pay while he awaits trial on federal charges tied to a sports-betting investigation. The ruling, delivered on Monday, is a significant win for Rozier and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), which filed for arbitration after Miami placed the 31-year-old on administrative leave and diverted his paychecks into an interest-bearing escrow account. Rozier was arrested on October 23 and charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently free on a $3 million bond. The arbitrator sided with the union, effectively forcing the Heat to release Rozier’s salary. In a statement, the NBPA said it was “pleased with the arbitrator’s ruling" and reiterated its commitment to protecting Rozier’s due process rights and the presumption of innocence. Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, framed the decision as both a contractual and philosophical victory. “Terry won today under principles of contract law and the Collective Bargaining Agreement," Trusty said, adding that the ruling serves as a reminder that the NBA cannot sidestep the presumption of innocence, even in high-profile cases. According to ESPN , the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement allows teams to withhold pay only in cases involving child abuse or domestic abuse: a key factor in the arbitrator’s decision. The timing of the ruling is notable with the NBA trade deadline looming on Thursday. The Athletic reported uncertainty over whether Rozier can be traded, given the ongoing legal proceedings. He is in the final year of a four-year, $96 million contract. Prosecutors allege that Rozier tipped off gamblers in March 2023, during his time with the Charlotte Hornets, that he would exit a game early, leading to heavy betting on the “under" for his statistical totals. Last season, Rozier averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 64 games for Miami. Across a 10-year NBA career with Boston, Charlotte and the Heat, he holds career averages of 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists. (with Reuters inputs)