Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is strengthening his legal defense ahead of a possible trial in a federal sports betting investigation. More than two weeks after pleading not guilty, Rozier is now pushing for the charges against him to be dismissed entirely.
Rozier faces two counts: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. However, his attorney, Jim Trusty, contends that the government is stretching the case too far. Trusty argues that the indictment lacks a clear explanation of how Rozier allegedly engaged in wire fraud and has filed a motion to dismiss the charges. He referenced a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling which states that wire fraud charges require the scheme’s intent to unlawfully obtain money or property—here, the sportsbook’s assets. Since the money laundering charge relies on the wire fraud accusation, dismissing the latter could also nullify the former.
“The government characterized this case as involving ‘insider gambling’ and ‘match-fixing’ in professional basketball,” Trusty said in legal documents. “But the indictment actually alleges something less sensational—that certain bettors simply breached sportsbook terms of service.”
Rozier is accused of participating in a gambling ring that shared confidential internal information with bettors. Allegedly, Rozier informed co-conspirator De Niro Luster that he would be benched early in a March 2023 game while with the Charlotte Hornets. Luster then sold the tip to gamblers linked to a betting syndicate. Rozier was not accused of placing bets himself, nor is there evidence Luster knew he would sell this information or that betting with it breached sportsbook rules.
Prosecutors must respond to the motion by February 2. The next hearing for the case, which involves over 30 defendants, is set for March 4, with Judge Ramon Reyes aiming to start the trial by September.
Rozier was arrested last October alongside suspended Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, ex-NBA player Damon Jones, and more than 30 others. Billups faces allegations in a separate gambling scheme linked to rigged poker games run by organized crime, and Jones is connected to both cases. Both have pleaded not guilty.
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Fan Take: This case highlights ongoing concerns about the integrity of professional basketball amid growing sports betting. How it unfolds could influence league policies on player conduct and gambling, impacting the reputation and future of the sport.
