Erik Spoelstra’s response to Terry Rozier’s FBI investigation, arrest

As Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier has been arrested by the FBI regarding the gambling inquiry, not limited to sports, came the morning after the team’s early 125-121 loss to the Orlando Magic. While it is The Heat were recovering from a tough loss to the Magic on Wednesday, there’s no doubt that fans and the team were likely taken aback by the arrest.

Speaking ahead of Friday night’s contest against the Memphis Grizzlies, the head coach Erik Spoelstra it would give insight into how the team is dealing with recent events. Spoelstra would say that the team had a meeting on Thursday to discuss the situationbut also improving by focusing on the games ahead, according to Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel.

“You don’t have a choice,” Spoelstra said Friday when asked how he’s holding the team together after Rozier’s arrest. “The league doesn’t wait, it doesn’t stop for you. Yesterday we had a meeting to deal with things, and today it was a task. If you’ve been in this league long enough, you have to learn how to compartmentalize and focus on the most immediate things, which is preparing for an important game tonight.”

“The guys were very good this morning, and Memphis was impressive in their first game,” Spoelstra continued. “That’s what we’re looking forward to, which is to come out and compete again and do what we need to do to get out of here with a win.”

Erik Spoelstra right now: pic.twitter.com/Iv7kkatce0

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) October 24, 2025

Erik Spoelstra on how much Terry Rozier has meant to the Heat

With the sports world reacts to the news of the Heat guard in Rozier and the FBI arrested Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, it’s important to note the connection the 31-year-old had with the team. Since being traded during the 2023 season, Rozier has built relationships within the franchise, despite declining production on the field.

“Yeah, I mean, obviously we can’t comment on the situation, but Terry was somebody that we all loved very much; he had a really positive impact on our locker room and staff and the players,” Spoelstra said. “That includes last year, when he wasn’t in the rotation, a lot. So we’re sending our thoughts and concern to him as he goes through this.”

Rozier was hopefully ready to turn his career around after a disappointing stint in Miami so far, falling completely out of the rotation last season, but a hamstring injury in practice put a bit of a damper on that hope. Now with Rozier on the sidelines, the Heat will have to focus on improving and getting their first win of the season Friday night against the Grizzlies.