Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier’s saga continues in the federal sports betting case that shocked the NBA world.
Two weeks ago, Rozier entered a not guilty plea, but now he is seeking to have his charges dismissed.
In a public legal document from Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, he outlines the basis for the motion.
“The government has billed this case as involving ‘insider betting’ and ‘rigging’ professional basketball games,” Trusty said. “The indictment does not allege that Mr. Rozier ever placed a bet, whether himself or through a proxy, on any NBA game.”
Rozier was arrested in October for his alleged involvement in the case.
Rozier was arraigned on two charges: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The court released Rozier on a $3M bond, along with being instructed not to gamble, possess a firearm, or make contact with victims, co-defendants, or witnesses involved in the case.
Trusty believes the government was wrong to accuse Rozier of wire fraud, arguing they overstepped.
Rozier was involved in the case for his role in providing insider information to bettors in 2023, when he was a member of the Charlotte Hornets.
Rozier told alleged co-conspirator Deniro Laster that he would be exiting a game early with an injury. In turn, Laster sold that information to potential gamblers for around $100,000.
A previous investigation from the NBA found that Rozier did not violate the league’s rules, but he was placed on leave following his arrest.
Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier is not Alone in the Sports Betting Case
GettySuspended Portland Trail Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups is also a defendant in the case.
While Terry Rozier made headlines for his involvement in the federal sports betting case, he is not the only notable person being charged.
Suspended Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups was arrested in October and charged with his role in a gambling scheme connected to rigged poker games.
Billups pleaded not guilty to his charges.
Former NBA Cleveland Cavaliers guard Damon Jones was also among the people charged in the case. He also pleaded not guilty.
Billups and Jones were both released on Bond.
In total, 34 people were charged for their role in illegally rigging sports betting or poker games.
The Miami Heat are Impacted by Terry Rozier’s Involvement
GettyTerry Rozier’s alleged actions are negatively impacting the Miami Heat.
The Miami Heat is the team arguably impacted the most by the federal sports betting case.
The Heat traded for Terry Rozier in January 2024, 10 months after his alleged actions took place. The NBA and the Charlotte Hornets were aware of the investigation into Rozier, but the Heat were not made aware.
Rozier is on contract in 2025 for $26.6M, and while he will not receive his salary, the Heat are still unable to spend the money that is on the books.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently said the league will explore relief for the Heat amid the unprecedented situation.
In addition to the money the Heat can’t spend, the team traded a first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets as part of the trade.
Despite Rozier’s allegations, if the Heat files a grievance, they are unlikely to have their draft capital returned.
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