Posted on: June 12, 2026, 10:13h.
Last updated on: June 12, 2026, 10:18h.
- Former NBA player Terry Rozier pleads not guilty to new charges revolving around gambling scandal
- Trial date set for Feb. 8, 2027
- Rozier looking to have bail conditions changed, for a path back to the NBA
Embattled former NBA player Terry Rozier pleaded not guilty in a Brooklyn federal courthouse this week to new charges of sports bribery and honest services wire fraud conspiracy revolving around his alleged involvement in an illegal sports betting operation.
Sports Bribery Charges
Rozier has been the centre of illegal gambling allegations since his arrest last October on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The allegations are that he pulled himself out of an NBA game in March 2023 as a member of the Charlotte Hornets, tipping off gamblers so that co-conspirators could win bets. Rozier has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
The new charges allege Rozier agreed to a $100,000 bribe to order to manipulate his performance in the 2023 Hornets game.
Trial Date Set for February
Following the plea hearing Wednesday, a U.S. District Court judge set a trial date of Feb. 8, 2027.
Rozier was released by the Miami Heat April 10, after having been traded there by the Hornets in January 2024.
During the plea hearing this week, Rozier and his representatives asked the judge to modify his bail conditions that prevent him from having contact with the NBA or the Hornets. Prosecutors want the order to remain in place, arguing that Rozier and co-conspirators devised a scheme to defraud the Hornets and the NBA of the right of Rozier’s honest services, and are victims of Rozier’s crime.
Rozier Wants Bail Conditions Eased
Rozier, now a free agent, would be looking for a path back to the NBA. The restriction would make it difficult or impossible for another NBA team to sign him since the Hornets play every NBA team during the season. Rozier is a 32-year-old guard, who in 64 games with the Heat in 2024-25 averaged 10.6 points per game, with a 39.1 field goal percentage.
“The NBA literally has flagrantly fouled the presumption of innocence,” said Rozier’s lawyer, James Trusty, after the court appearance this week, per ESPN. “They should be ashamed of themselves. As you heard from the hearing today [Wednesday], they’re still trying to find ways to pretend they’re a victim and that Terry should be prohibited from playing basketball, at least practically speaking.”
Earlier this month, an arbitrator ruled that Rozier must forfeit most of his USD $26.6 million contract with the Heat for 2025-26 season, since he had violated the contract by not playing for the team.
