Former NBA Player Terry Rozier Denies New Gambling Charges
NEW YORK – Terry Rozier has pleaded not guilty to new sports bribery and wire fraud conspiracy charges in a federal gambling case.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The plea moves one of the NBA’s most closely watched betting investigations into its next legal phase as prosecutors pursue allegations tied to player performance markets.
Rozier appeared Wednesday before Magistrate Judge Lara K. Eshkenazi in Brooklyn federal court. The former Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat guard denied charges of sports bribery and honest services wire fraud conspiracy.
Prosecutors Allege Bribe Linked to Early Exit
Federal prosecutors allege Rozier accepted a $100,000 bribe in exchange for informing bettors that he planned to leave a March 23, 2023, game early because of an injury. Rozier was playing for the Charlotte Hornets against the New Orleans Pelicans that night. He logged just over nine minutes and finished with five points, four rebounds and two assists.
The indictment claims bettors placed more than $200,000 in wagers on Rozier’s under statistics after learning he would exit the game early. Prosecutors previously accused Rozier of taking part in the $100,000 gambling plot, alleging the bribe was later reduced to about $70,000 because his four rebounds caused some wagers to lose.
Defence Criticises NBA Restrictions
Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, said after the hearing that he is asking the court to modify Rozier’s release conditions. Trusty wants a no-contact restriction involving members of the Hornets removed. He argued that the condition could affect Rozier’s ability to participate in NBA free agency after the Miami Heat waived him in April.
“The NBA literally has flagrantly fouled the presumption of innocence”, Trusty said. “They should be ashamed of themselves.” Trusty also said Rozier remains confident despite prosecutors adding new charges. “He’s strong now. He’ll be strong when his day of exoneration comes”, Trusty told reporters outside court.
The court appearance comes after a separate arbitration case in which an arbitrator ruled against Rozier in a dispute over most of his $26.6 million NBA salary for the 2025-26 season.
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Co-Defendants Also Enter Pleas
Co-defendant De’Niro Laster also pleaded not guilty to bribery-related charges on Wednesday. Another co-defendant, Shane Hennen, entered a not guilty plea later the same day.
Rozier already faced conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering charges from an earlier indictment. He pleaded not guilty to those charges last year and has asked the court to dismiss the case.
The judge overseeing the matter has not yet ruled on that dismissal request.
The case is part of a broader federal investigation into alleged illegal gambling activity involving NBA figures, insider information and betting markets. Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones has already pleaded guilty in related proceedings and is expected to be sentenced next year.
Rozier has denied wrongdoing throughout the case. The next stage will determine whether the court modifies his release conditions and how prosecutors proceed with the newly added bribery counts.
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