The legal saga surrounding Terry Rozier has taken a significant turn, with federal prosecutors signaling they are preparing to file additional charges in the expanding NBA gambling scandal. During a court hearing in New York on April 27, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Farrell announced that the government plans to issue a superseding indictment by mid-May, adding counts of sports bribery and honest services wire fraud to the case against the former Miami Heat guard.
According to ESPN, prosecutors informed the court that they have uncovered evidence suggesting Rozier both solicited and received a bribe in connection with the alleged scheme. This development shifts the focus of the case, which had been centered on Rozier's motion to dismiss earlier charges. A judge has not yet ruled on that motion, as attention now turns to the potential new indictment.
Rozier's attorney, Jim Trusty, expressed frustration with the timing of the announcement, noting that the defense was only made aware of the additional charges hours before the hearing. "Our motion to dismiss is based on the idea that they picked an invalid legal theory to prosecute Terry Rozier," Trusty said. "We'll see what they do to try to fix that in the superseding indictment, but I expect we'll have problems with it."
The case stems from a March 2023 game when Rozier was playing for the Charlotte Hornets. Prosecutors allege he told a co-defendant—identified as his childhood friend Deniro Laster—that he planned to exit the game early. That information was allegedly sold to bettors, who placed significant wagers on the under for Rozier's performance. Rozier left the game after limited minutes, and many of those bets paid off.
Rozier, who has since been waived by the Miami Heat, has already pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering charges in connection with the broader investigation. Earlier this year, he secured a key off-court victory when an arbitrator ruled that the NBA could not withhold his salary while the case plays out, citing protections in the league's collective bargaining agreement.
As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, this case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing scrutiny surrounding gambling in professional sports. For fans and players alike, it underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game—both on and off the court.