Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier broke his silence recently after weeks of minimal public engagement, addressing rumors linked to his name amid a U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation into a mafia-connected gambling ring. Rozier, arrested in October 2025 as part of the probe—which also involves Portland’s Chauncey Billups and other NBA figures—spoke out following remarks by adult film star Celina Powell, who has publicly referenced her ties to multiple NBA players.
Clarifying Rumors Tied to Celina Powell’s Comments on NBA Connections
During a live broadcast, streamer Deshae asked Powell how she consistently manages to secure courtside seats at NBA games. Powell candidly replied that her extensive past relationships with players were responsible.
“Well, I’ve f**ked with a lot of players, so it isn’t a surprise,”
Powell said.
Following a clip of this exchange circulated on social media, which showed Powell alongside Rozier in photos, the NBA guard responded via his X account for the first time in weeks.
“Never put a bih court side ..and I damn sure never gave HER tickets 😒,”
Rozier tweeted, directly addressing the insinuations.
When a fan suggested Rozier should focus more on the ongoing gambling investigation rather than the social media drama, Rozier fired back cryptically:
“Welllll..let’s just see about that LeBron …”
Background on Rozier’s Arrest and Federal Charges
Rozier’s arrest in October 2025 came amid a sweeping federal investigation into a gambling operation linked to organized crime, reportedly involving several NBA personnel. Prosecutors allege that Rozier conspired to commit wire fraud and money laundering by providing false information regarding a foot injury during a March 2023 game between the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans. The fabricated injury reportedly influenced approximately $200,000 in prop bets placed on his game performance, leading to substantial illegal profits.
He entered a not guilty plea in Brooklyn federal court in December 2025 and was released on a $3 million bond. His attorneys are pursuing dismissal of the charges. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat placed Rozier on unpaid leave, effectively suspending his contract during the legal proceedings. However, an arbitrator later ordered the team to pay his full $26.6 million salary for the 2025-26 season despite the ongoing case.
Rozier’s Career Moves and Previous Off-Court Controversies
Before the investigation, Rozier was traded in January 2024 from the Charlotte Hornets to the Miami Heat in exchange for Kyle Lowry and a first-round draft pick. The controversy surrounding Rozier is not limited to the gambling probe. In 2024, Celina Powell publicly claimed to have had a sexual encounter with a player wearing jersey No. 2, widely presumed to be Rozier, stating on social media:
“Basketball games are more fun when you f****d the player before the game lol gooo #2,”
she posted.
Rozier has denied involvement in public comments, attempting to distance himself from these rumors while focusing on the serious legal challenges he faces.
League Reaction and Wider NBA Implications
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has confirmed the league’s ongoing cooperation with the Miami Heat and federal authorities as the investigation proceeds. The complex case, which underscores the growing concerns about the integrity of NBA betting and player involvement, remains unresolved with no trial date currently scheduled.
Rozier’s situation highlights the tension between legal processes and league policies, especially concerning player conduct and contract management during investigations. The National Basketball Players Association is actively monitoring potential breaches of the collective bargaining agreement related to Rozier’s suspension and subsequent arbitration victory.
What Lies Ahead for Rozier and the NBA Amid Gambling Scrutiny
The federal case against Rozier could have significant consequences for his career and the NBA’s reputation. As prosecutors continue to build their case, Rozier faces both legal uncertainty and public scrutiny fueled by his recent social media re-engagement and media attention surrounding Celina Powell’s allegations. The resolution of this investigation may also affect how the league approaches gambling-related policies and player accountability moving forward.
Terry Rozier’s attempts to clarify rumors and contend with the charges signal an ongoing struggle to maintain his professional standing while navigating a deeply troubling legal challenge connected to organized crime’s infiltration of professional sports.
Deshae asked Celina Powell how she always manages to get courtside seats at NBA games and she said it’s because she’s been involved with a lot of players. 👀🏀
“Well, I’ve fckd with a lot of players, so it isn’t a surprise.” pic.twitter.com/yCoHEARBS7
— Tante 🎬 (@tantehenia) February 22, 2026
https://twitter.com/T_Rozzay3/status/2025745687820853335
Welllll..let’s just see about that LeBron …
— Terry Rozier (@T_Rozzay3) February 23, 2026
