Terry Rozier's Attorneys Seek Dismissal of Gambling Charges Citing Supreme Court Ruling
Terry Rozier's defense team filed a motion in federal court to dismiss gambling charges against him, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling that narrowed the federal wire fraud statute. Rozier has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with alleged illegal sports gambling.
The charges stem from a 2023 game during which Rozier played under 10 minutes due to a foot injury. High-stakes bets were allegedly placed on him to perform poorly, resulting in wins. Rozier's defense contends the government's theory centers on insider betting and game rigging, while the indictment describes bettors who violated sportsbook terms of use and engaged in straw betting based on non-public information.
Rozier's lawyers, James M. Trusty and A. Jeff Ifrah, argue that taking oneself out of a game early is not a crime. Trusty noted Rozier had a chronic injury and was not listed on the Hornets' injury report at the time.
Rozier was arrested as part of an FBI investigation into illegal gambling linked to organized crime and appeared in Brooklyn federal court on December 8, 2025. The case involves more than 30 individuals, including Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones, both of whom have pleaded not guilty and are currently on unpaid leave.
