On the day of the New York Knicks' remarkable comeback in the NBA Finals, Terry Rozier found himself in a Brooklyn federal courthouse, facing serious charges related to sports betting. This marked Rozier's first court appearance since a grand jury unveiled new charges last month. The former Charlotte Hornets guard is grappling with accusations of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, alongside two additional counts of honest services wire fraud conspiracy and bribery in sporting contests. He pleaded not guilty during the hearing.
Rozier is among four defendants named in a superseding indictment issued in late May, which includes two alleged ringleaders, Eric Earnest and Shane Hennen, and an accomplice, Deniro Laster. Following Rozier’s plea, US District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall scheduled a trial for February 8, 2027.
Drafted in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft, Rozier is accused of sharing his plans to exit a game prematurely with Laster, a childhood friend. Laster is alleged to have used this information to tip bettors for favorable outcomes on betting props. Known as “Scary Terry” for his impressive dribbling and offensive skills, Rozier was traded to the Miami Heat in 2024, but was released in April and is currently a free agent.
Outside the courthouse, Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, expressed confidence in his client’s resolve despite the ongoing legal challenges. "He’s strong now, he’ll be strong when his day of exoneration comes," Trusty stated, emphasizing their commitment to fighting the charges.
During the procedural hearing, Judge Hall referenced the NBA multiple times. A previous “no-contact list” was established, initially prohibiting Rozier from contacting several entities; while the Miami Heat was removed, the NBA and the Hornets remain on the list. Kaitlin Farrell, an assistant US Attorney, explained that the no-contact order is consistent with the Bail Reform Act, which seeks to prevent defendants from communicating with alleged victims or witnesses. Under the honest services fraud charges, Rozier and two others are accused of conspiring to defraud the Hornets and the NBA of Rozier's honest services.
Farrell noted that there is an ongoing investigation regarding any statements Rozier might have made to Heat employees related to the gambling allegations. She asserted that the Hornets should remain on the no-contact list as they are considered victims in the case. Substantial discovery has already been completed by the government in preparation for an August status conference, marking Rozier's next anticipated return to court.
Despite the charges, Rozier is reportedly seeking to join a new team, raising concerns for his legal team about the no-contact order's restrictions should he sign with another club. Trusty mentioned that discussions have taken place regarding possible modifications to the conditions of Rozier's release, but information was not available immediately following the hearing.
Tensions between Rozier's legal defense and the NBA persist. Although the Hornets did not comment on modifications to the no-contact order, the NBA expressed objection. Judge Hall requested that prosecutors secure a formal letter from the association outlining their position, establishing a deadline of June 15 for its submission.
In a critical remark, Trusty accused the NBA of undermining Rozier’s presumption of innocence, suggesting that their actions suggest they see themselves as victims rather than impartial observers. Last October, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had expressed concern over the allegations, indicating that the league's integrity monitors detected questionable behavior around a specific game, although it was determined that Rozier did not breach league rules. Silver clarified that while the NBA continues to cooperate with the government on this matter, they lack the authority to issue subpoenas in gambling inquiries.
Trusty criticized the league’s approach, stating, "They’re still trying to find ways to pretend they’re a victim. They’re not on the side of the angels on this case. They’ve made decisions that completely contradict the presumption of innocence." The NBA had yet to respond to Trusty's comments. If the trial proceeds as scheduled, it will commence just eight days before the 2027 NBA All-Star Game.
