In a shocking turn of events, former NBA player Terry Rozier has been hit with serious federal charges linked to a vast sports betting scandal that has sent ripples through the league. The allegations, unveiled in a new indictment on Thursday, reveal that Rozier allegedly accepted a $100,000 bribe to inform bettors about his plans to leave a March 2023 game early due to an injury while playing for the Charlotte Hornets.
The indictment, issued by a federal grand jury in Brooklyn, New York, paints a troubling picture of Rozier’s involvement in a scheme that reportedly involved a “predetermined bribe arrangement” with co-defendants Marves Fairley and De’Niro Laster. The plan was to allow bettors to place lucrative wagers based on Rozier’s anticipated early exit from the game. However, the plot took an unexpected twist when Rozier outperformed expectations, collecting four rebounds during the match, which led to the bribe’s value dropping to $70,000 after the game.
Jim Trusty, Rozier’s attorney, expressed confidence in their defense, stating that the new charges merely reflect the prosecution’s attempts to strengthen their case. Earlier in the day, Fairley entered a guilty plea, admitting in court to paying a player to manipulate their performance for betting advantages. During the hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Berman identified Rozier as the player involved.
Fairley’s attorney, Eric Siegle, emphasized his client’s remorse, noting that Fairley is taking steps toward accountability for his actions. The indictment further claims that Rozier’s alleged bribery deprived the NBA and the Hornets of their right to honest and faithful services.
In addition to the new charges, Rozier is already facing two federal counts related to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering from an earlier indictment filed last year. Prosecutors have accused him of leaking confidential information about his performance to Laster, who reportedly sold the tip to gamblers, resulting in more than $200,000 in bets.
Rozier and Laster have both pleaded not guilty to the initial charges. Last December, Rozier sought to have the case dismissed, arguing that the government’s claims did not meet the legal threshold for fraud, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling.
This latest indictment adds another layer to an expansive investigation into illegal gambling activities, which reportedly involve over $10 million in illicit gains and have ensnared more than 30 individuals, including members of organized crime families and notable figures like Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones. While Billups has maintained his innocence, Jones recently pleaded guilty to charges related to insider betting and orchestrating fixed poker games.
As the legal battles unfold, fans and followers of the NBA are left wondering: what will be the next chapter in this unfolding saga?
