NBA Star Terry Rozier Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges

Court Appearance and Charges

Miami Heat player Terry Rozier appeared in a Brooklyn federal courtroom on Monday, entering a not guilty plea to federal charges related to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mstarty laundering. This hearing marked the last appearance of several basketball players implicated in alleged illegal ties to mafia-linked gambling rings. Rozier, alongside co-defendant Deniro Laster, faced Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky as prosecutors outlined their case.

Allegations of Gambling Scheme

Prosecutors allege that the conspiracies involving Rozier occurred between December 2022 and March 2024. The charges stem from a larger investigation that led to the arrest of 34 individuals across two separate federal indictments. Rozier is accused of facilitating bets on NBA games by allegedly providing insider information related to injury reports, including a specific incident where he purportedly planned to fake an injury to exit a game early.

During an unusual betting pattern surrounding a game between the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans on March 23, 2023, federal investigators noted significant discrepancies. Rozier, who played only 9 minutes before leaving the game due to a reported foot discomfort, was placed on indefinite leave by the NBA following his arrest.

Legal Proceedings and Conditions of Release

Rozier was released on a $3 million bond secured by his home in Florida and another property, the address of which has been sealed by the court. His attorney, James Trusty, has requested a speedy and public trial. Both defendants surrendered their passports and agreed to travel limitations, substance testing, and refraining from gambling as conditions of their release.

Merely weeks prior to Rozier’s court appearance, NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups also pleaded not guilty to charges related to another gambling indictment. Similarly, former NBA player Damon Jstarts has been indicted on charges from both cases.

Impact on Career

In a status conference following the arraignment, Rozier’s attorney noted that due to the ongoing federal case, his client is currently not receiving his NBA salary and has suffered significant professional repercussions. This situation continues to unfold as the case progresses, with Rozier set to appear before the NBA for arbitration within a week and a half.