Terry Rozier Seeks to Have Charges Thrown Out in NBA Gambling Case
Terry Rozier, the Miami Heat point guard, is seeking to have the charges against him thrown out in a federal court. Rozier’s attorneys filed a motion arguing that the charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering are unfounded. The case, which has sidelined Rozier from playing for the Miami Heat this season, alleges that he participated in a scheme to facilitate bets on NBA basketball games using insider information related to injury reports.
Rozier pleaded not guilty to the charges earlier this month, and his lawyers argue that his alleged involvement in the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies is limited. They claim that the government’s theory of fraud has been repeatedly rejected and that the federal wire fraud statute has been narrowed by a recent Supreme Court ruling. Rozier’s attorneys, A. Jeff Ifrah and James Trusty, stated that “the only basis for any alleged misconduct is breaching the sportsbook rules themselves, rather than any cognizable theory of fraud.”
Background of the Case
The indictment alleges that Rozier passed non-public information about his injury to his close childhood friend and co-defendant, Deniro Laster, before a game between the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans on March 23, 2023. Laster then allegedly placed wagers using that information and sold it to others. Prosecutors claim that Rozier’s company, GMB Chronicles LLC, paid Laster over $165,000 in regular payments between December 2022 and May 2025.
Rozier’s attorneys argue that the indictment fails to allege an essential element of money laundering conspiracy: that Rozier agreed to commit the offense. They claim that Rozier’s only role in the alleged scheme was to provide non-public information to Laster, which enabled him to place wagers using that information. The government, however, alleges that Rozier was paying for Laster’s legal fees, which could create a conflict of interest.
Current Status of the Case
Rozier was arrested on October 23 as part of a sweeping FBI crackdown that resulted in 34 defendants being charged across two federal indictments. He appeared in court in Brooklyn on December 8 alongside Laster and was released on a $3 million bond secured by his home in Florida and another property. Laster was released on a $50,000 secured bond by his mother and cousin. Both defendants surrendered their passports, agreed to travel limitations, and were prohibited from participating in gambling, among other bond conditions.
The case is set to continue on March 3 with a hearing before U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall. Rozier’s attorneys are seeking to have the charges thrown out, while the government is pushing forward with the case. As the case unfolds, it will be important to monitor the developments and see how the court rules on the motion to dismiss.
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