Rozier lawyers move to dismiss betting charges
The legal defense team for Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier launched a significant counterattack this week, formally filing a motion to dismiss the federal criminal charges that have sidelined the veteran point guard for the entirety of the 2025-26 season. In a filing submitted to the U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, Rozier’s attorneys argued that the government’s case relies on a legally flawed interpretation of wire fraud statutes, effectively criminalizing a violation of sportsbook terms rather than prosecuting actual criminal fraud.
Leading the defense, attorney Jim Trusty contended that the indictment fails to allege a valid crime under the narrowed scope of federal wire fraud laws, specifically citing the Supreme Court’s 2023 *Ciminelli* ruling. The motion argues that the prosecution is attempting to federalize a private dispute over "terms of use" violations. The defense emphasized that the indictment does not allege Rozier placed any bets himself, nor does it prove he knew his information would be sold to a betting syndicate. Trusty wrote that while the allegations might generate headlines about "rigging" games, the actual facts amount to little more than bettors gaining an edge through non-public information—a practice the defense argues does not constitute wire fraud.
The charges stem from a March 2023 game between the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans. Prosecutors allege that Rozier, then with Charlotte, tipped off his childhood friend, Deniro Laster, that he would exit the game early due to a "fake" injury. Rozier played just 10 minutes before leaving, allowing Laster and others to cash in on lucrative "under" prop bets regarding his statistical totals. The government claims this scheme defrauded sportsbooks, a narrative the defense is now aggressively challenging as an overreach of prosecutorial power.
Rozier has been on indefinite unpaid leave from the Miami Heat since his arrest in October as part of the FBI’s sweeping "Operation Nothing But Bet" probe, which also implicated figures like Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones. If the judge grants the motion to dismiss the wire fraud charge, the accompanying money laundering conspiracy charge would likely collapse, potentially clearing the path for Rozier to seek reinstatement. However, until a ruling is issued, the guard remains in legal and professional limbo while the NBA closely monitors a case that challenges the integrity of the league's relationship with gambling.
Leading the defense, attorney Jim Trusty contended that the indictment fails to allege a valid crime under the narrowed scope of federal wire fraud laws, specifically citing the Supreme Court’s 2023 *Ciminelli* ruling. The motion argues that the prosecution is attempting to federalize a private dispute over "terms of use" violations. The defense emphasized that the indictment does not allege Rozier placed any bets himself, nor does it prove he knew his information would be sold to a betting syndicate. Trusty wrote that while the allegations might generate headlines about "rigging" games, the actual facts amount to little more than bettors gaining an edge through non-public information—a practice the defense argues does not constitute wire fraud.
The charges stem from a March 2023 game between the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans. Prosecutors allege that Rozier, then with Charlotte, tipped off his childhood friend, Deniro Laster, that he would exit the game early due to a "fake" injury. Rozier played just 10 minutes before leaving, allowing Laster and others to cash in on lucrative "under" prop bets regarding his statistical totals. The government claims this scheme defrauded sportsbooks, a narrative the defense is now aggressively challenging as an overreach of prosecutorial power.
Rozier has been on indefinite unpaid leave from the Miami Heat since his arrest in October as part of the FBI’s sweeping "Operation Nothing But Bet" probe, which also implicated figures like Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones. If the judge grants the motion to dismiss the wire fraud charge, the accompanying money laundering conspiracy charge would likely collapse, potentially clearing the path for Rozier to seek reinstatement. However, until a ruling is issued, the guard remains in legal and professional limbo while the NBA closely monitors a case that challenges the integrity of the league's relationship with gambling.
