Overview
- An independent arbitrator ruled Rozier must receive his full 2025–26 salary, with paychecks that had been held in an interest‑bearing escrow account since December now set to be released.
- Sources said the ruling turned on CBA language interpreted to allow unpaid leave only in cases of child or domestic abuse, a position the NBPA advanced while stressing due process and the presumption of innocence.
- Rozier remains on administrative leave, listed on Miami’s roster and cap, and the ruling does not make him eligible to play.
- The outcome arrives two days before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, offering Miami more clarity to use Rozier’s expiring $26.6 million contract in negotiations, though it remains uncertain whether any trade involving him would be cleared by the league.
- Rozier has pleaded not guilty to wire‑fraud and money‑laundering conspiracy charges, is free on $3 million bond, has a March court date after moving to dismiss the case, and is tied to a broader federal probe that includes more than 30 defendants such as Portland coach Chauncey Billups.