Rozier, Billups Placed on Leave After Indictments

Federal indictments prompted the NBA to place Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups on immediate leave while the league reviews allegations and cooperates with authorities. Prosecutors allege Rozier provided confidential information about his health and playing time and deliberately exited a March 2023 game to influence "under" prop bets; he was arrested by the FBI, missed Miami’s season opener, and his lawyer said he will contest the charges and called the arrest a publicity spectacle. Billups is charged in a separate but connected indictment that alleges a wide-ranging scheme to rig underground poker games allegedly backed by Mafia families. More than 30 people have been charged in the broader federal probe. Analysts say the case could have roster and salary-cap consequences for the Heat — if Rozier’s contract were voided the team’s payroll would fall to roughly $159 million, giving limited short-term flexibility but likely leaving them above the salary cap.