• Former NBA star Terry Rozier pleads not guilty to fresh charges related to a gambling scandal
• Trial scheduled for February 8, 2027
• Rozier seeks modifications to bail conditions to explore a chance at returning to the NBA

Former NBA player Terry Rozier denied new allegations of sports bribery and conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud in a federal court in Brooklyn this week, linked to his purported involvement in an illicit sports betting network.

Charges of Sports Bribery

Rozier has faced significant allegations surrounding illegal gambling since his arrest last October on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Reports suggest he intentionally withdrew from an NBA game in March 2023 while playing for the Charlotte Hornets, allegedly alerting bettors to assist co-conspirators in winning their wagers. Rozier has maintained his innocence regarding these claims.

The latest charges indicate that Rozier accepted a bribe of $100,000 to influence his performance in a specific 2023 Hornets game.

February Trial Date Confirmed

After the recent plea hearing, a U.S. District Court judge announced a trial date set for February 8, 2027.

On April 10, Rozier was let go by the Miami Heat, following a trade from the Hornets made in January 2024.

During Wednesday’s plea hearing, Rozier and his legal team requested modifications to his bail conditions, which restrict his communication with the NBA and the Hornets. Prosecutors argue that the restrictions should remain, asserting that Rozier and his associates created a scheme to defraud the Hornets and the NBA, thus rendering them victims of his actions.

Rozier Seeks Bail Modifications

Now a free agent, Rozier is aiming for a return to the NBA. The current restrictions could hinder or completely block another team from signing him, as the Hornets compete against all NBA franchises during the season. As a 32-year-old guard, Rozier averaged 10.6 points per game and had a field goal percentage of 39.1 in 64 games played with the Heat during the 2024-25 season.

“The NBA has blatantly disregarded the presumption of innocence,” remarked Rozier’s attorney, James Trusty, following the hearing. “They should feel ashamed. As highlighted during the hearing, they continue to concoct methods to position themselves as victims, preventing Terry from returning to playing, or at the very least, making it extremely difficult.”

Earlier in the month, an arbitrator ruled that Rozier is required to forfeit a substantial portion of his $26.6 million contract with the Heat for the 2025-26 season due to a breach of contract stemming from his absence from the team.