Terry Rozier Faces $8.2 Million Unpaid Income Tax Bill: What You Need to Know

The IRS recently filed an $8.2 million tax lien against Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. This happened in November 2023, amid serious allegations that he intentionally took himself out of a game to benefit from bets placed on his performance. These details emerged from court documents and were first reported by ESPN and later by The Athletic.

Rozier isn’t just facing tax issues. In August 2022, a Florida construction company filed a lien against him for over $270,000. Rozier settled most of this amount by July 2023, leaving a balance of $20,000.

Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, explained that a mistake in filing taxes led to the massive lien. He stated that after clarifying the situation with the IRS, Rozier only owed about $3,000 for 2021—a sum that has already been cleared. Trusty expects the lien to be lifted soon.

Adding to the controversy, Rozier is among over 30 individuals charged in two federal indictments. Allegations surfaced that he exited a March 2023 game intentionally, allowing a co-conspirator to win a prop bet. This situation is part of larger federal investigations into betting irregularities in the NBA. Former Raptors player Jontay Porter recently received a lifetime ban from the league after pleading guilty to conspiracy for manipulating his performance for betting gains.

Rozier’s team has consistently defended his innocence, claiming the revived investigation seems outdated. Currently, Rozier is on leave from the Heat and is finishing a four-year, $96.2 million contract. Throughout his career, he has earned over $160 million.

This scandal isn’t limited to Rozier. Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones were also implicated in these indictments. They are accused of participating in rigged poker games and selling insider information, including details about LeBron James’ availability, to bettors.

As the NBA grapples with these serious allegations, fans are left to wonder about the integrity of the sport. The league has been under scrutiny for years, with gambling becoming more prevalent. According to a recent survey by the American Gaming Association, nearly 50 million Americans planned to bet on NBA games during the 2022-2023 season. This growing trend raises questions about the balance between entertainment and fair play.

For more insights on the evolving landscape of sports betting, you can read the full report from ESPN.

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Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, NBA