Terry Rozier's legal defense has introduced a text message they claim exonerates the former NBA player in a federal gambling investigation. Rozier is facing four criminal counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
In a recent court filing, Rozier's representatives presented a text message purportedly sent by his friend and co-defendant, Deniro Laster, six days after a March 29, 2023, game in which Rozier is accused of feigning an injury to exit early. The message from Laster reads, “Dont tell chum bout the bet,” which the defense asserts proves Rozier was unaware of any betting activity related to his performance.
Rozier's legal team is requesting that two of the four charges be dismissed, arguing the text message demonstrates his lack of involvement in the alleged scheme. "This should end the case," stated Rozier, who is represented by attorneys David Markus and Margot Moss. "One does not hide a bet from the person who supposedly sold it."
Federal prosecutors contend that Rozier agreed to accept $100,000 to leave the March 23, 2023, game early, thereby enabling a group of gamblers to win their bets. However, Rozier's lawyers maintain his innocence, asserting he is a basketball player, not a gambler. They stated he "never bet on anything, never agreed to underperform, never did underperform, and did not know that anyone was wagering on his statistics in the Charlotte Hornets’ March 23, 2023, game."
If convicted, Rozier faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. He has since been released from his contract with the Miami Heat.