No change in Terry Rozier's playing status despite gambling probe, Heat's Erik Spoelstra says

Adam Lichtenstein, South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Jan 31, 2025

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MIAMI — Despite Heat guard Terry Rozier being investigated as part of a federal gambling probe stemming from his time with the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Friday there was no change in Rozier’s status with the team.

“His status is still the same,” Spoelstra said.

Spoelstra said he had not heard anything from the NBA about an investigation and did not speak to the team about it.

Rozier spoke to reporters on Friday but declined to answer questions about the report on the advice of counsel.

Rozier said he manages to keep his focus on basketball despite the investigation.

“It’s kind of always been easy for me,” Rozier said. “It’s kind of been my life. Once I get in between them lines, I can block out anything.”

Rozier has not been charged with a crime nor has he been accused of any wrongdoing.

The Heat referred questions for comment to the NBA.

NBA spokesman Mike Bass released a statement that said: “In March 2023, the NBA was alerted to unusual betting activity related to Terry Rozier’s performance in a game between Charlotte and New Orleans. The league conducted an investigation and did not find a violation of NBA rules. We are now aware of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York related to this matter and have been cooperating with that investigation.”

Herro in 3-point competition

Heat guard Tyler Herro found out Thursday night that he would be headed to San Francisco for his first career All-Star Game.

“It means a lot,” Herro said. “I think back to the first moment I walked in the arena after I got drafted and did our press conference and Pat (Riley) gave the mic to Spo and kind of said he was going to make me an All Star. I feel like throughout the years, people thought it would come faster, sooner than this. But I think the time that we put in every year, every summer, it finally paid off. There was a lot of different trials and tribulations, back and forth with Spo, what I need to work on every single year. I always just came in and tried to get better every single day.

Herro said he plans to participate in the 3-point competition, as well.

Herro’s teammate Bam Adebayo said Herro deserves this honor.

“I’m truly proud of him because it’s been a lot of media that’s thrown that man’s name in the mud,” Adebayo said. “Y’all have thrown his name in trade rumors. Y’all said he’s not good enough. He can’t do this, he can’t do that. All the way down to somebody’s wingspan. So just looking at it from that standpoint and understanding how great Tyler can be, it’s a testimony to him and how he’s really worked on his body, how he’s really prepared himself for moments like this.”