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Terry Rozier’s college coach, Rick Pitino, reached out to his former player after Rozier was charged in an illegal gambling case.
Pitino, who coached Rozier at Louisville, said he was “surprised” by the news of Rozier’s alleged involvement and arrest “because Terry makes $22 million a year.”
“It’s not like him,” Pitino told OutKick’s Dan Dakich.
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Louisville Cardinals guard Terry Rozier (left) and coach Rick Pitino celebrate against the Northern Iowa Panthers in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at KeyArena. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)
Rozier faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
“I love Terry. I texted him, ‘Terry, if I can be of help. I love you, son. If there’s anything I can do to help you, please contact me.’ I don’t know what’s going on there. It doesn’t sound like a person who makes $22 million would be worried about a prop bet. That doesn’t make any sense to me.”
Rozier’s allegations stem from a game in which he played less than 10 minutes, citing a foot injury. Several bettors placed high bets that Rozier would perform poorly before the game, and they all won.
Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, admitted that Rozier “told a friend” that he was retiring from the game early, which “is not a crime.”
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier during the second half against the Washington Wizards on March 31, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
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Neither Hornets management nor betting companies were informed of Rozier’s scheme, according to the indictment, and Rozier was not listed on the team’s injury report.
After Rozier played only nine minutes and never returned, the bets won. Rozier and his friend, Deniro Laster, counted the cash winnings at Rozier’s Charlotte home about a week later, the indictment says.
When asked if Rozier gave away inside information for the purpose of illegal betting, Trusty said the answer was “absolutely not. It never happened.”
Rozier was placed on immediate leave from the Miami Heat, the NBA announced shortly after the arrest, “and we will continue to cooperate with relevant authorities.”
Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier looks to pass against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Spectrum Center. (Nell Redmond/USA Today Sports)
“The integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the NBA said.
