Terry Rozier files motion to dismiss charges in federal sports betting case
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier has formally requested that a federal judge dismiss the criminal charges pending against him, marking a significant escalation in his defense against allegations of sports betting fraud. In a motion filed in federal court this week, Rozier’s legal team argues that the government has fundamentally overreached by attempting to criminalize what they characterize as a violation of private sportsbook terms rather than a federal crime.
The motion, submitted by attorneys Jim Trusty and A. Jeff Ifrah, contends that the indictment fails to meet the legal standards for wire fraud and money laundering. The defense relies heavily on the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in *Ciminelli v. United States*, which narrowed the scope of federal fraud statutes. Rozier’s lawyers assert that the prosecution’s theory—that Rozier deprived sportsbooks of "informed decision-making" by allegedly sharing non-public injury information—is precisely the type of "right to control" theory the Supreme Court has already rejected.
At the heart of the case is an incident from March 2023, during Rozier’s tenure with the Charlotte Hornets. Federal prosecutors allege that Rozier tipped off a childhood friend, Deniro Laster, that he would exit a game against the New Orleans Pelicans early due to injury. Laster allegedly used this information to place prop bets on the "under" for Rozier’s statistics. However, the defense argues that even if these factual allegations were true, they amount to a breach of contract with betting operators, not a criminal conspiracy to defraud.
"The government has billed this case as involving 'insider betting' and 'rigging' professional basketball games," Trusty wrote in the filing. "But the indictment alleges something less headline-worthy: that some bettors broke certain sportsbooks' terms of use."
The outcome of this motion is critical for the Miami Heat, who have been without their starting point guard since he was placed on indefinite leave following his arrest in October. If the judge denies the motion, Rozier faces a trial currently scheduled for September, which would likely jeopardize his availability for the entire 2025-26 season. Prosecutors have until February 2 to file their response to the dismissal request.
The motion, submitted by attorneys Jim Trusty and A. Jeff Ifrah, contends that the indictment fails to meet the legal standards for wire fraud and money laundering. The defense relies heavily on the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in *Ciminelli v. United States*, which narrowed the scope of federal fraud statutes. Rozier’s lawyers assert that the prosecution’s theory—that Rozier deprived sportsbooks of "informed decision-making" by allegedly sharing non-public injury information—is precisely the type of "right to control" theory the Supreme Court has already rejected.
At the heart of the case is an incident from March 2023, during Rozier’s tenure with the Charlotte Hornets. Federal prosecutors allege that Rozier tipped off a childhood friend, Deniro Laster, that he would exit a game against the New Orleans Pelicans early due to injury. Laster allegedly used this information to place prop bets on the "under" for Rozier’s statistics. However, the defense argues that even if these factual allegations were true, they amount to a breach of contract with betting operators, not a criminal conspiracy to defraud.
"The government has billed this case as involving 'insider betting' and 'rigging' professional basketball games," Trusty wrote in the filing. "But the indictment alleges something less headline-worthy: that some bettors broke certain sportsbooks' terms of use."
The outcome of this motion is critical for the Miami Heat, who have been without their starting point guard since he was placed on indefinite leave following his arrest in October. If the judge denies the motion, Rozier faces a trial currently scheduled for September, which would likely jeopardize his availability for the entire 2025-26 season. Prosecutors have until February 2 to file their response to the dismissal request.
