Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier appeared in federal court in New York on Monday, pleading not guilty to two charges linked to an FBI probe into sports betting and illegal gambling. Rozier was arrested in October alongside over 30 others, including suspended Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones, making him one of the recent defendants indicted in the case.
Rozier faces federal conspiracy charges for wire fraud and money laundering. After his not guilty plea, the court released him on $3 million bail, with conditions including no gambling, no firearms possession, no contact with victims, co-defendants, or witnesses, surrender of his passport, and travel restrictions between Florida, Ohio, and New York.
De Niro Luster, a former college football player, also appeared in court with Rozier, pleaded not guilty to the same charges, and was released on $50,000 bail. Rozier is accused of participating in a sports betting ring involving current and former NBA players who exchanged non-public injury and illness information. The indictment alleges Rozier informed Luster before a March 2023 game that he would be benched early, and Luster then passed this info to gamblers in a syndicate.
Rozier, who was with the Charlotte Hornets at the time, played only 10 minutes in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans before leaving because of a foot injury. The sportsbook accepted $200,000 in prop bets on his performance. The NBA conducted its own investigation but found no evidence of wrongdoing and placed Rozier on administrative leave following his arrest.
The next court hearing for all defendants is slated for March 4, 2026, with trials expected to start by September next year, as stated by Judge Ramon Reyes.
Meanwhile, Chauncey Billups, indicted on November 24, pleaded not guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy charges. Billups, suspended since his arrest, is accused of running a separate gambling scheme where he allegedly lured wealthy individuals into rigged poker games linked to the Mafia. Though his name doesn’t appear in the sports betting indictment, “Co-conspirator 8” matches his profile. Billups’ lawyer denies the allegations, calling him a “man of integrity.” Recently, Billups sold his home in Lake Oswego, Oregon, hinting at likely future separation from the Trail Blazers.
Damon Jones, involved in both the sports betting and illegal gambling investigations, also pleaded not guilty on November 6. He was released on $200,000 bail, barred from gambling, and prohibited from contact with organized crime. Jones allegedly shared insider information about two Los Angeles Lakers games for betting purposes and, along with Billups, is accused of enticing players into fraudulent poker games, sharing in the winnings from these activities.
Fan Take: This case highlights the serious consequences of gambling-related scandals in professional sports, reminding fans that integrity in the game is paramount. The involvement of well-known basketball figures might lead to tighter regulations and scrutiny around sports betting in the NBA, potentially reshaping how the sport is governed and perceived.
