UPDATE: Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is currently facing a staggering $8,218,211 federal income tax lien filed by the IRS in November 2023, according to court records obtained by ESPN. This critical financial issue arises amid serious allegations of Rozier’s involvement in gambling schemes that reportedly manipulated his performance in a March 2023 NBA game.
The tax lien, registered in Broward County, Florida, indicates Rozier’s financial troubles are escalating just as he faces scrutiny from federal authorities. Tax attorney Steven N. Klitzner stated, “It shouldn’t be a surprise to them,” highlighting the serious implications of unpaid taxes.
In a dramatic turn of events, Rozier is also embroiled in a federal indictment unsealed last week, which accuses him of conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Allegations claim he provided insider information about his plans to exit a game early to a friend, Deniro Laster, who allegedly sold this information to bettors for approximately $100,000. Rozier played just over nine minutes in that game before citing a foot injury.
Rozier facilitated Laster’s travel to collect the gambling proceeds, further complicating his legal situation. Following the indictment, the NBA placed Rozier on leave, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed that while Rozier cooperated with their investigation, officials concluded there was “insufficient evidence” to determine he violated league rules.
As the IRS has a 30-day window to release a lien after debts are settled, Rozier currently has no lien release on record. Meanwhile, the address linked to the tax lien corresponds to a California company, GMB Chronicles, incorporated in 2024, where Rozier is listed as an officer and holds trademark rights to his nickname “Scary Terry.”
The urgency surrounding Rozier’s situation is compounded by a previous construction lien from August 2022 for approximately $271,000, which was partially resolved by July 2023. This lien was associated with work done on his $5.3 million property in Broward County.
Rozier’s financial challenges are particularly concerning given his lucrative four-year, $96.3 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets, signed in August 2021, before his trade to the Miami Heat on January 23, 2024. To date, Rozier has accumulated $161.7 million in career earnings from his on-court performance.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on Rozier and his legal team, led by attorney Jim Trusty of Ifrah Law, who stated that his client is “not a gambler” and is determined to “win this fight.” With the IRS lien and gambling allegations hanging over him, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Rozier as he navigates these pressing challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.
