Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is scheduled for a court arraignment on charges connected to an alleged sports betting scheme. He is accused of assisting illegal gamblers by influencing his performance during an NBA game. According to NBC New York, the 31-year-old point guard will be formally arraigned on federal wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges in Brooklyn federal court.
The arraignment follows Rozier’s arrest on October 23, before an indictment was announced by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Authorities allege that Rozier’s involvement in the betting scheme occurred while he was with the Charlotte Hornets, during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in March 2023. USA Today reports that Rozier is said to have left the game early due to an injury, which allegedly led to significant winnings for bettors aware of the scheme.
Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, has publicly addressed the case, NBC New York reported. More than 30 individuals have been arrested in connection with the federal investigation into illegal gambling operations involving several mafia figures and other NBA personnel. Also charged are Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones.
Rozier and Billups have both been placed on unpaid leave pending the outcome of their cases. USA Today states that if Rozier is cleared in the federal investigation, his salary will be held in escrow and he will receive all missed payments in full. The charges allege that Rozier conspired with his childhood friend, De'Niro Laster, who is accused of providing non-public information to enable co-conspirators to place fraudulent wagers. Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, described the alleged scheme as “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online sports betting became widely legalized in the United States.”
Terry Rozier’s NBA career has included being a first-round pick by the Boston Celtics in 2015, playing for the Charlotte Hornets, and currently joining the Miami Heat. Rozier did not play in the Heat’s season opener against the Orlando Magic, and USA Today indicates that he last averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists during the 2024–25 regular season.
