Terry Rozier Pleads Guilty to New Gambling-Related Charges

In January 2025, federal authorities began looking into NBA player Terry Rozier for alleged gambling. In October of that same year, the FBI arrested him for his alleged involvement in an illegal gambling scheme. 

Earlier this week, Rozier, who most recently played for the Miami Heat, pleaded not guilty to new charges against him, including sports bribery and honest services wire fraud conspiracy, according to ESPN. 

These new charges were filed last month, as federal prosecutors alleged that Rozier agreed to a $100,000 bribe to manipulate his performance. At the same time, he was a member of the Charlotte Hornets in 2023. 

Now, a judge in New York has set a trial date for Feb. 8, 2027. 

Prosecutors Detail Alleged Bribery Scheme

ESPN notes that Rozier "renewed his request for a judge to modify the condition of his bail that prevents him from having any contact with his former team or the NBA."

However, prosecutors say that not only were the Hornets and the NBA victims of Rozier's crimes, but the league wants the order to stay in place as a no-contract order could prevent him from playing for another team. 

"The NBA literally has flagrantly fouled the presumption of innocence," defense attorney James Trusty said after court, ESPN said. "They should be ashamed of themselves. As you heard from the hearing today, they're still trying to find ways to pretend they're a victim and that Terry should be prohibited from playing basketball, at least practically speaking."

Rozier Previously Faced Money Laundering Allegations

Before this, Rozier pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud. Per prosecutors, Rozier allegedly conspired with friends to help them win bets on his performance during a March 2023 game while he was with the Hornets. 

Rozier was later traded from the Hornets to the Heat in January 2024. Rozier was waived on April 10. 

Rozier NBA History

Rozier was drafted No. 16 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, where he played until 2019. From there, he was traded to the Hornets in July 2019 as part of a sign-and-trade deal involving Kemba Walker. 

Then, as mentioned, he was later traded to the Miami Heat in exchange for Kyle Lowry.