Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier has moved to dismiss federal charges against him in a sports betting case, arguing that the allegations do not meet the legal threshold for wire fraud. His attorney claims the government's case hinges on violations of sportsbook terms rather than criminal activity. The motion comes shortly after Rozier pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Terry Rozier, a guard for the Miami Heat, is mounting a robust defense in a federal case involving sports betting. Just over two weeks after entering a not guilty plea to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, Rozier's legal team filed a motion to dismiss the indictment entirely.
Rozier's attorney, Jim Trusty, contends that the federal government has failed to adequately explain how his client committed wire fraud, a key element of the case. Trusty references a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that requires such schemes to aim at depriving victims—in this instance, sportsbooks—of money or property. Without a solid wire fraud foundation, the money laundering charge would also collapse.
"The government has billed this case as involving 'insider betting' and 'rigging' professional basketball games," Trusty stated in the legal filing. "But the indictment alleges something less headline-worthy: that some bettors broke certain sportsbooks' terms of use."
The allegations stem from Rozier's purported role in a gambling ring that traded non-public information. According to the indictment, while with the Charlotte Hornets, Rozier allegedly told co-conspirator De'Niro Laster that he would exit a March 2023 game early. Laster then reportedly sold this detail to gamblers, who shared it via a betting syndicate.
Trusty emphasized key absences in the charges: "The indictment does not allege that Mr. Rozier ever placed a bet, whether himself or through a proxy, on any NBA game," he wrote. "Nor does it allege that he knew that Laster intended to sell this information to others, or that using it to place wagers would violate the Betting Companies' rules."
Prosecutors must reply to the motion by February 2. The next hearing for the case, which involves over 30 defendants, is scheduled for March 4, with U.S. District Judge Ramon Reyes aiming for a trial start in September. Rozier was arrested in October alongside figures like suspended Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones, both of whom have also pleaded not guilty.
