Terry Rozier Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Fraud and Laundering Charges
Rozier Enters Plea in Brooklyn Federal Court
NBA player Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat pleaded not guilty on Monday in a Brooklyn federal courtroom to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky in New York as part of a broader federal investigation into alleged gambling rings.
Prosecutors allege that the charged conspiracies occurred between December 2022 and March 2024. Rozier is the last of the basketball players tied to the alleged illegal, mafia-linked gambling rings to make an appearance before a judge in this case.
Bond, Conditions, and Legal Representation
Following his arraignment, Rozier was released on a $3 million bond. The bond is secured by his home in Florida and another property whose address has been sealed by the court. During the proceeding, Rozier’s attorney, James Trusty, requested a speedy and public trial for his client.
As part of their release conditions, Rozier and co-defendant Deniro Laster surrendered their passports, accepted travel limitations, agreed to substance testing, and agreed not to engage in gambling, among other requirements.
Arrest and Alleged Betting Scheme
Federal authorities arrested Rozier in Orlando on October 23 during a nationwide FBI operation in which 34 defendants were taken into custody across two federal indictments. Prosecutors accuse Rozier of participating in a scheme that facilitated bets on NBA games by using insider information related to injury reports.
According to prosecutors, Rozier and five other defendants are accused of providing nonpublic information in exchange for a flat fee or a share of betting profits. In one instance cited by prosecutors, Rozier allegedly told a co-conspirator he would fake an injury to leave a game early.
Game Under Federal Scrutiny
Federal investigators examined unusual betting activity surrounding a Charlotte Hornets versus New Orleans Pelicans game played on March 23, 2023. At that time, Rozier played for the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Miami Heat in early 2024. In that game, he played 9 minutes and 34 seconds and left with right foot discomfort.
The NBA stated at the time of that game that it found no evidence that Rozier had violated league rules.
Co-Defendant and Alleged Role
Rozier appeared in court alongside co-defendant Deniro Laster, who lives in Cleveland. Prosecutors allege that Laster, described as a childhood friend of Rozier’s, orchestrated the sharing of nonpublic information and bets between various gambling rings. Laster was released on a $50,000 secured bond, backed by his mother and cousin.
NBA Status and Professional Impact
Following Rozier’s arrest, the NBA placed him on indefinite leave. Rozier’s attorney stated at a status conference that Rozier is scheduled to appear before the NBA for arbitration within roughly the next week and a half. The attorney also confirmed that Rozier is not currently receiving his NBA salary and said the federal case has caused significant professional harm to him.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in public remarks after the arrests that he was deeply disturbed by the allegations involving several individuals associated with the league.
Related Federal Proceedings
Rozier is not charged in a separate federal indictment that centers on an alleged cheating scheme at poker games, which prosecutors say generated more than $7 million. In the poker-related case, NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty two weeks ago to charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering.
Former NBA player Damon Jones has been indicted in both the gambling and poker matters. He pleaded not guilty earlier this month in both indictments and was released on a $200,000 bond secured by his parents’ home in Texas.