Former NBA guard Terry Rozier’s battle with the law has no apparent end in sight. The 32-year-old is now asking a federal court to dismiss two of the four criminal charges he is facing in a high-profile sports gambling case.
“Don’t Tell Chum ’bout the Bet”
Rozier’s attorneys filed a motion in federal court seeking the dismissal of the sports bribery and honest services wire fraud charges.
The defense argues that a text message sent by co-defendant Deniro Laster in March 2023 clearly proves that Rozier was not in any way involved in any alleged conspiracy to manipulate his performance for gambling purposes.
The message, which was allegedly sent six days after bets had been placed on Rozier’s performance while representing the Charlotte Hornets, read: “Don’t tell chum ’bout the bet,” with “chum” identified as Rozier’s nickname.
The defense argues the said text message shows that those allegedly involved in the betting made sure that Rozier was not aware of the wagers.
The player’s lawyers say that prosecutors cannot claim he knowingly accepted payment or agreed to alter his play if other participants were explicitly telling one another not to inform him about the bet.
Prosecutors Have a Different Opinion
Prosecutors did not agree with the defense’s interpretation of the text message, arguing the message was not related to the alleged betting conspiracy, and arguing that additional evidence and witness testimony support their position that Rozier knowingly participated in the scheme.
Moreover, prosecutors have alleged that Rozier informed associates ahead of the March 23 game against the New Orleans Pelicans about his plan to exit the contest early.
This information, investigators went on, enabled bettors to take advantage by wagering on the under for several of Rozier’s player proposition bets.
The latest filing comes after Rozier’s legal team previously sought dismissal of the remaining two charges, wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to commit money laundering, last December. The court has not yet ruled on those motions.
Big Hit on His Career
In June, federal prosecutors received support from both the NBA and the Charlotte Hornets in maintaining bond conditions that prohibit Rozier from contacting current or former members of the franchise while awaiting trial.
Those restrictions have stopped the veteran guard from pursuing a return to the league.
Rozier, who most recently played for the Miami Heat before being released in April, was initially arrested and indicted in October 2025. Additional sports bribery and honest services wire fraud charges were added in May 2026.
He has pleaded not guilty to all four counts and is currently scheduled to stand trial in February 2027.