NBPA to challenge NBA’s decision to withhold Terry Rozier’s salary

The National Basketball Players Association isn’t standing by quietly while the NBA withholds Terry Rozier’s pay.

In a statement released Wednesday, the NBPA said it plans to formally challenge the league’s move to place the Heat guard on unpaid leave following his arrest on federal gambling charges.

“While we are in agreement with the league that upholding the integrity of the game is of the utmost importance, their decision to place Terry on leave without pay is counter to the presumption of innocence and inconsistent with the terms of our Collective Bargaining Agreement,” an NBPA spokesperson said. “We plan to challenge their decision via the proper channels.”

According to The Associated Press’ Tim Reynolds, Rozier’s paychecks — worth $1.11 million each in twice-monthly installments — will be held in an interest-bearing account until the case is resolved.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, who was arrested in a related betting probe, is also not being paid.

Rozier, 30, carries a cap hit of about $26.6 million this season. If cleared and reinstated, he’ll receive the full amount retroactively.

For now, however, the Heat won’t receive any immediate salary cap or luxury tax relief, according to Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel. Discussions about possible “special” cap relief are ongoing, per Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.

Federal prosecutors have accused Rozier of tipping off a friend about an injury in March 2023 while playing for Charlotte, information that was then used by others to place bets on player props. He exited that game early, citing a foot issue, and didn’t play again that season.

Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, insists his client is being unfairly targeted.

“This is an innocent guy who’s getting completely screwed, to use some legal vernacular,” Trusty told Fox News, as transcribed by The Miami Herald. “They’re latching onto a game where the NBA literally cleared him two years ago and trying to suggest that somehow they know better and that he was a conspirator, as opposed to just somebody who had a hurt foot.”

Trusty also pushed back on reports that Rozier owed over $8 million in taxes, saying the real number was closer to $9,000, and that the lien has already been resolved.

Rozier’s future with the Heat — and in the league — now hinges on the outcome of the federal investigation and the NBPA’s forthcoming challenge.