Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham couldn’t believe what she was reading this week after news broke surrounding Terry Rozier’s alleged involvement in a massive NBA gambling scandal. The Miami Heat guard was arrested in Orlando, Florida, after federal agents uncovered what authorities described as one of the most elaborate insider sports betting rings in recent memory. The revelation stunned both the basketball community and fans alike — and Cunningham was among those left completely speechless.
According to reports, Rozier, along with Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Damon Jones, was linked to the operation. Prosecutors allege that Rozier conspired with several associates to manipulate game outcomes for financial gain. In one specific case from March 2023, while playing for the Charlotte Hornets, Rozier allegedly told a friend he would fake an injury early in the game — a move that allowed bettors who had placed money on his underperforming stats to profit. Federal officials later described the betting ring as having connections to organized crime, calling it “historic in its scope.”
Despite the severity of the accusations, Rozier will reportedly continue to collect his full $26.6 million salary for the 2025–26 NBA season while on administrative leave. This detail — protected under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement — was what sent Cunningham into disbelief. Quoting the report on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, “Please tell me this is fake.” The Fever veteran’s reaction echoed what many fans were already feeling — frustration and confusion over how such a major scandal could unfold while a player remains financially protected.
Cunningham, known for her authenticity and candid nature, often speaks her mind on social media. Her reaction also highlights a growing conversation around accountability and player privilege in professional sports. Many WNBA players — including Cunningham herself — earn a fraction of what their NBA counterparts make, despite facing similar levels of scrutiny and media pressure. The contrast between the leagues made Rozier’s ongoing full-pay situation even more jaw-dropping for athletes across the women’s game.
As the investigation into Rozier’s case unfolds, questions continue to swirl about how the NBA will respond — and whether new regulations will follow. For players like Cunningham, who fight for fairness and integrity within their own league, the situation serves as a stark reminder that even at the highest levels of basketball, ethics and accountability still have a long way to go.
