Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested Thursday morning in Orlando and charged with participating in an illegal sports betting scheme that used nonpublic NBA information to gain an advantage. Federal prosecutors described the case as insider trading for professional basketball, alleging players intentionally removed themselves from contests to benefit gamblers’ bets.
Rozier appeared in federal court in Orlando wearing a Charlotte Hornets sweatshirt, handcuffs and shackles. His attorney, Jim Trusty of Ifrah Law, stated Rozier is “not a gambler” and “looks forward to winning this fight.”
Before a March 23, 2023 game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Rozier allegedly told childhood friend Deniro Laster he would remove himself in the first quarter due to a supposed injury. Laster allegedly sold the information to two bettors for approximately $100,000.
The bettors and their network of proxy bettors wagered hundreds of thousands of dollars on Rozier’s unders. Rozier exited after nine minutes with 5 points, 2 assists and 4 rebounds, allowing many bets to win.
Rozier paid for Laster to travel to Philadelphia to collect proceeds from the scheme, according to the indictment. Laster then drove to Rozier’s home to count the money with him.