The NBA has been shaken by the recent arrests of Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier, linked to separate federal investigations involving gambling rings.

Billups’ arrest is reported to relate to alleged rigged poker games connected to organized crime, whereas Rozier’s situation involves accusations of intentionally withdrawing from a game to manipulate prop bets for a network of sports gamblers. Rozier, - a guard for the Miami Heat - and Billups were both placed on leave by the NBA. It has come to light that they are not being paid during this period as the investigation unfolds, with their remuneration being held in escrow until the legal issues are resolved.

The NBA Players Association has expressed its concerns regarding the decision to place Rozier on unpaid leave, asserting their intent to contest that ruling, as shared by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

“While we agree that maintaining the integrity of the game is vital, the decision to suspend Terry without pay contradicts the principle of presumed innocence and is at odds with our Collective Bargaining Agreement,” stated the association. “We aim to challenge this decision through appropriate channels.”

The association’s mission is to represent player interests and prevent a precedent from being set in cases like this. The NBA maintains that its suspension is meant to safeguard the Heat’s interests by placing salaries in escrow, ensuring that funds return to the team if Rozier is found guilty while still permitting him to be compensated in case of exoneration.

Ultimately, a neutral arbiter will decide whether the NBA’s actions regarding Rozier’s salary escrow comply with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.