Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier has filed a bold legal motion to have federal gambling charges against him thrown out of court.
The 31-year-old NBA star is facing two felony charges for his alleged role in a massive betting scandal that has sent shockwaves through professional basketball.
Attorneys for the veteran player argue that federal prosecutors are ‘overreaching’ by bringing conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering charges against him.
The motion, filed by Rozier’s lawyers on Tuesday, Dec. 23, claims the government is attempting to ‘enforce its view of integrity in sports wagering’ rather than prosecuting a legitimate federal crime.
Defense attorney Jim Trusty argues the allegations are merely a violation of private wagering rules set by state-licensed betting companies.
‘The government has billed this case as involving ‘insider betting’ and ‘rigging’ professional basketball games,’ Trusty wrote in court documents.
Terry Rozier has filed a legal motion to have federal gambling charges against him thrown out
Rozier, who has denied any guilt in the case, is facing two felony charges for his alleged role in a massive betting scandal that rocked the NBA
‘But the indictment alleges something less headline-worthy: that some bettors broke certain sportsbooks’ terms of use against wagering based on non-public information and ‘straw betting.”
Rozier was arraigned on Dec. 9 and pleaded not guilty to both charges in a Brooklyn federal court.
Federal authorities allege Rozier tipped off gamblers about a fake injury while he was playing for the Charlotte Hornets in March 2023.
According to the indictment, Rozier told co-defendant Deniro Laster he planned to remove himself from a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first quarter.
Rozier reportedly played less than 10 minutes before leaving with an injury, ensuring he finished ‘under’ his prop bet totals for points and assists.
The feds claim Laster sold this information to another associate, resulting in more than $200,000 in winning bets.
Prosecutors further allege that Laster drove to Rozier’s home in Charlotte to count the cash winnings during the early hours of April 1, 2023.
However, Rozier’s legal team insists there is no proof the NBA star ever placed a bet himself or used a proxy to do so.
Heat guard Terry Rozier pictured arriving at Brooklyn Federal court at the start of the month
‘Nor does it allege that he knew that Laster intended to sell this information to others,’ the motion states.
The case is part of a wider investigation known as ‘Operation Royal Flush’ and ‘Operation Nothing But Net.’
More than 30 people have been indicted in the scandal, which authorities say involves Mafia ties and rigged poker games.
Other high-profile figures linked to the probe include Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones.
Rozier has been placed on indefinite leave by the Miami Heat while the legal battle continues.