Published on: December 8, 2025, 07:30h.

Updated on: December 8, 2025, 07:30h.

• Terry Rozier enters a not guilty plea in sports betting case
• Next court appearance slated for March 3
• Rozier allegedly withdrew from an NBA game to benefit gambling strategies

The Miami Heat, currently positioned sixth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 14-10, are set to face the Orlando Magic tomorrow. Meanwhile, Heat guard Terry Rozier appeared in a New York federal court today, pleading not guilty to charges concerning manipulation of his in-game performance for gambling profits.

Rozier faces serious federal charges, including wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, tied to his alleged involvement in an illicit sports betting operation.

Today, he was released on a $3 million bond following his October arrest as part of a federal probe into illegal gambling practices.

$200K in Wagers

According to the U.S. Justice Department’s indictment, during his time with the Charlotte Hornets in March 2023, Rozier is accused of alerting gamblers about his intention to exit a game due to injury. This led to gamblers placing $200,000 in bets on his performance statistics falling “under” the expected thresholds for that match. Reports indicate that unusual betting patterns were noted by sportsbooks for that particular game.

Rozier has been placed on unpaid administrative leave by the NBA. Previous investigations by the league found no violations of their rules regarding Rozier and the betting claims.

Money Laundering Conspiracy Charge

The 31-year-old was also ordered by the court to refrain from gambling, possessing firearms, or contacting any victims, co-defendants, or witnesses related to the case. He has surrendered his passport and may only travel between Florida, New York, and Ohio.

Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, expressed optimism after the court hearing, stating that his client is eager to mount a defense. Trusty plans to file a motion for dismissal on Tuesday and will contest Rozier’s unpaid leave status with the NBA, as the Players Association has already initiated a grievance regarding the matter. Rozier is currently in the final year of a four-year, $96.3 million contract.

U.S. District Judge Lashawn DeArcy Hall has scheduled the next hearing for March 3.

Prosecutors indicated they would provide substantial evidence to defense attorneys, including around 1,000 pages of documents and 55 gigabytes worth of data related to the investigation.

$96.3 Million Contract

Rozier’s October arrest was part of a broader FBI crackdown on individuals alleged to be involved in illegal gambling activities, including a separate illegal poker operation linked to Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauney Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones. Both have entered not guilty pleas. The poker scheme allegedly involved organized crime elements, as stated by the FBI.

Jones is also accused of sharing confidential injury-related information about players such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis to bettors while serving on the Los Angeles Lakers staff during the 2022-23 season.