Terry Rozier pleaded not guilty Monday in a Brooklyn federal courtroom to charges tied to an alleged mafia-linked illegal gambling scheme, becoming the last of several players connected to the probes to face a judge.
Prosecutors charged Rozier with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, alleging misconduct between December 2022 and March 2024. He was released on a $3 million bond secured by his Florida home and a second property whose address the court sealed. At the arraignment, Rozier’s lawyer, James Trusty, asked for a speedy and public trial.
Rozier was arrested in Orlando on Oct. 23 as part of an FBI sweep that produced 34 defendants across two federal indictments. Federal authorities say Rozier participated in a scheme that helped place bets on NBA games using nonpublic information tied to injury reports. In one allegation, prosecutors claim Rozier told a co-conspirator he would fake an injury to exit a game early.
Agents reviewed unusual wagering on a March 23, 2023 matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans. Rozier, who played for Charlotte before being traded to Miami in early 2024, played 9 minutes and 34 seconds and left with right foot discomfort. At the time of the game, the NBA said it found no evidence Rozier had violated league rules.
After his arrest, the NBA placed Rozier on indefinite leave. Commissioner Adam Silver said the league was deeply troubled by allegations involving several people connected to the NBA.
Prosecutors allege Rozier and five other defendants provided nonpublic information in exchange for flat fees or a share of gambling profits. Rozier is not charged in the separate indictment that focuses on an alleged cheating scheme in rigged poker games prosecutors say generated more than $7 million.
Rozier appeared in court with co-defendant Deniro Laster, a childhood friend whom prosecutors say coordinated the sharing of nonpublic information and bets among gambling rings. Laster, who lives in Cleveland, was released on a $50,000 secured bond posted by his mother and cousin.
Both Rozier and Laster surrendered their passports, face travel restrictions, must submit to substance testing and are barred from gambling, among other bond conditions.
Rozier’s attorney told the court that Rozier will appear before the NBA in arbitration in about 10 days and confirmed he is not currently receiving his NBA salary, saying the federal case has severely affected Rozier professionally.
Other notable defendants have entered similar pleas. Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups recently pleaded not guilty in the poker-related indictment. Former NBA player Damon Jones, who is indicted in both cases, pleaded not guilty earlier this month and was released on a $200,000 bond secured by his parents’ home in Texas.