A federal judge has scheduled former NBA guard Terry Rozier’s trial for February 8, 2027, amid ongoing legal battles over his alleged involvement in a sports gambling scheme. Rozier, who is charged with bribery and honest services wire fraud conspiracy, pleaded not guilty to the new counts last month. Prosecutors allege that he accepted a $100,000 bribe to manipulate his performance in a March 2023 game with the Charlotte Hornets.
No-Contact Order Blocks NBA Participation
Rozier’s current bail conditions prevent him from contacting anyone associated with the Hornets, effectively blocking him from participating in NBA activities while awaiting trial. His attorney, Jim Trusty, has asked the court to modify these restrictions, arguing that they unfairly restrict Rozier’s ability to play professionally. “The NBA has literally flagrantly fouled the presumption of innocence,” Trusty said outside the courthouse. “They should be ashamed of themselves… They’re still trying to find ways to pretend they’re victims and that Terry should be prohibited from playing basketball, at least practically speaking.”
Federal prosecutors, however, contend that both the Hornets and the NBA are victims of Rozier’s alleged misconduct. Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall indicated she would consider input from the NBA before ruling on any modification to the no-contact order, giving the league a deadline to file its position with the Eastern District of New York. The Hornets have not formally taken a stance on the request.
Co-Defendants and Alleged Schemes
Rozier’s legal troubles stem from multiple federal indictments linked to alleged game-fixing schemes. Two co-defendants, Marves Fairley and former NBA player Damon Jones, have already pleaded guilty. Prosecutors claim Rozier tipped off Fairley, a sports betting influencer, about exiting the game against the New Orleans Pelicans, allowing Fairley to profit from bets in the U.S. and China. The second indictment accuses Rozier of assisting in rigging mafia-linked poker games using advanced card-reading technology.
The NBA placed Rozier on leave following his arrest in October 2025 and initially sought to withhold his $26.6 million salary. Rozier and the NBPA appealed, securing a temporary win through arbitration, but the league later reduced his salary again, citing his bond conditions. According to The Athletic, Trusty described the no-contact restriction as “devastating” in the arbitration hearing.
Rozier has also asked the court to dismiss the charges against him. His attorney has indicated that a new motion will be filed to address the additional counts brought in May. Rozier remains determined to fight the allegations, with Trusty stating, “He’ll be strong when his day of exoneration comes.”
While Rozier was traded to the Miami Heat in January 2024 and spent two seasons with the team, he was waived on April 10. During this period, federal restrictions had already limited his interactions with the Heat, although those constraints were lifted last month.
The upcoming trial in February 2027 will determine Rozier’s legal fate and could have a direct impact on whether he can resume his NBA career. Until then, the no-contact order remains a significant obstacle, with the NBA expected to provide its formal position to the court soon.