Terry Rozier, once a key contributor for the Boston Celtics, is slated to appear in federal court this week amid a sweeping illegal gambling investigation. The Miami Heat guard's involvement has sent ripples through the NBA, raising questions about player conduct and league integrity.
Details from The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov reveal Rozier is accused of tipping off a friend, Deniro Laster, about his early exit from a March 2023 game while with the Charlotte Hornets.
Laster allegedly sold this non-public information to gamblers betting on Rozier's prop stats. Rozier pleaded not guilty after his October arrest, and his attorney has sought dismissal, citing potential conflicts in legal representation funded by Rozier himself. Prosecutors worry this could lead to blame-shifting, per Vorkunov.
The case, handled in Brooklyn federal court, involves over 30 indictments, including rigged poker games and insider info on player health. Fellow ex-NBA star Chauncey Billups, a Hall of Famer and Portland Trail Blazers head coach, faces similar charges for luring victims into fixed games. Billups has been on indefinite NBA leave since his arrest.
Rozier's court date is Tuesday, with Billups following on Wednesday. No trial dates are set, but Judge Ramon E. Reyes Jr. aims for a September start. The NBA has yet to comment on Rozier's status, but precedents suggest possible suspensions if convicted.
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