Terry Rozier Seeks Dismissal of Sports Bribery Charges: NBA Player Files Motion

• NBA veteran Terry Rozier, currently an unrestricted free agent, has filed a motion to dismiss two of the four criminal counts against him in a federal sports betting case.
• Rozier claims that a text message exonerates him of any wrongdoing, but prosecutors argue that the text chain does not relate to sports gambling.
• The case against Rozier stems from a March 23, 2023 game against the New Orleans Pelicans, during which he allegedly undercut his performance to benefit bettors.
• Rozier's co-defendant, Marves 'Vez' Fairley, pleaded guilty in May 2026 to seven counts including bribery, wire fraud and money laundering.

This should end the case. One does not hide a bet from the person who supposedly sold it,

NBA veteran Terry Rozier, currently an unrestricted free agent, has filed a motion to dismiss two of the four criminal counts against him in a federal sports betting case. The motion, submitted on Friday, cites a text message that Rozier claims exonerates him of any wrongdoing. According to prosecutors, Rozier intentionally undercut his performance in at least one game to benefit a group of bettors, and was accused of soliciting a $100,000 bribe in return. However, the text message in question appears to show that Rozier's co-defendant, Deniro Laster, was trying to keep a secret from Rozier himself, rather than from others who might be betting on his performance.

The case against Rozier has been ongoing for several months, with prosecutors initially charging him with bribery in sports and money laundering conspiracy. In May 2026, a superseding indictment added two additional charges: bribery in sports and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charges stem from a March 23, 2023 game against the New Orleans Pelicans, during which Rozier allegedly told Laster that he planned to exit early due to an injury, so that he could sell information about his underperformance to other bettors. Rozier's co-defendant, Marves 'Vez' Fairley, a sports betting influencer, pleaded guilty in May 2026 to seven counts including bribery, wire fraud and money laundering. Rozier's trial is currently scheduled for February 8, 2027.

The case against Rozier highlights the ongoing risk of prosecution for sports-related bribery and money laundering. As a lawyer advising clients in the sports industry, it is essential to be aware of this risk and its potential impact on business practices and associations. The fact that Rozier's co-defendant pleaded guilty to seven counts, including bribery and wire fraud, underscores the severity of these crimes. Furthermore, the case may have significant implications for the sports betting industry as a whole, particularly in light of recent developments in US sports betting laws.

A lawyer advising clients in the sports industry should be aware that this development highlights the ongoing risk of prosecution for sports-related bribery and money laundering, and may impact their ability to engage in certain business practices or associate with individuals accused of similar crimes.

Source: Original reporting via Courthouse News Service