IRS Releases $8.2M Tax Lien Against NBA’s Terry Rozier Amid Scandal
UPDATE: The Internal Revenue Service has just released a staggering $8.2 million tax lien against NBA veteran Terry Rozier, as confirmed by records obtained from the Broward County Courthouse. This release, dated October 29, 2023, comes just a day after ESPN reported on the lien and less than a week following Rozier’s arrest in connection with a major gambling scandal.
The tax lien marks a significant development in Rozier’s tumultuous recent weeks. He faces serious charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. According to his attorney, Jim Trusty, Rozier initially owed only $9,000 in unpaid taxes, later revised to $3,000, attributed to an e-filing error. Trusty insists that the issue has been resolved, stating, “Once the accountant clarified the situation with the IRS, Terry was found to owe only $3,000 in unpaid taxes for 2021.”
The lien release, recorded on November 20, 2023, lists an unpaid balance of $8,218,211. However, Trusty reassured that this amount has been addressed and that they expect the lien to be fully withdrawn soon. Yet, he has not provided documentation regarding the payment or its timing. An IRS spokesperson stated that individual taxpayer details cannot be disclosed, further complicating the narrative.
Rozier’s troubles extend beyond tax issues. He is embroiled in a federal investigation, accused of providing insider information about his game-time decisions to a friend, who allegedly passed it on to bettors. This scandal has sent shockwaves through the NBA community, with Rozier scheduled for arraignment in federal court on December 8, 2023, in Brooklyn.
The IRS typically has 30 days to file a lien release after a debt is settled. Tax experts note that Rozier would have received immediate notifications if there had been any issues with his e-filing, indicating that multiple alerts were likely sent to him or his tax representatives regarding any unpaid taxes.
As this story develops, the implications for Rozier and the NBA grow more serious. Fans and stakeholders are urged to stay tuned for updates as the legal proceedings unfold.
This situation underscores the urgent need for accountability and transparency in professional sports, particularly as the fallout from the gambling scandal continues to evolve. With Rozier’s future uncertain, many are left to wonder what will come next for the NBA star amid these troubling allegations.
