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Terry Rozier’s attorneys have asked a judge to dismiss gambling charges while he faces prison time.
The NBA player was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering stemming from his alleged involvement in illegal sports betting.
Rozier was arrested for his alleged involvement in a 2023 game in which he played less than 10 minutes, citing a foot injury. Several people placed high-stakes bets on Rozier to perform poorly before the game, and they all won.
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Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) handles the ball during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena in Washington, District of Columbia, on March 31, 2025. (Reggie Hildred/Image Images)
Rozier’s attorneys argued that the government’s theory of the case — that it prevented sportsbooks from making informed decisions about accepting certain bets — conflicts with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that narrowed the federal wire fraud statute.
“The government has characterized this case as involving ‘insider betting’ and ‘manipulation’ of professional basketball games,” Rozier’s attorneys, James M. Trusty and A. Jeff Ifrah, wrote in the motion. “But the indictment alleges something less headline-worthy: that some bettors violated certain sportsbooks’ terms of use against bets based on non-public information and ‘fake bets.'”
Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat leaves federal court in Brooklyn on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
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Trusty told Pak Gazette shortly after his client’s arrest that Rozier “told a friend” he was retiring from the game early, which “is not a crime.” Trusty said Rozier was dealing with a “chronic injury,” but Rozier had not been listed on the Charlotte Hornets’ injury report before the game.
According to the Justice Department, neither Hornets officials nor betting companies were informed of Rozier’s scheme.
Earlier this month, Rozier pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Rozier was one of more than 30 people, along with NBA figures Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones, who were part of FBI investigations into alleged illegal gambling with ties to the La Cosa Nostra crime families. Billups and Jones allegedly participated in rigged poker games, while Jones also allegedly leaked non-public information about NBA games so that those close to him could place bets with a competitive advantage.
Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and Damon Jones were arrested for their alleged involvement in illegal gambling. (Jaime Valdez/Imagn Images, Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
Both Billups and Rozier have been placed on unpaid leave from their teams while their court cases unfold.
