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Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier has entered a not-guilty plea in federal court after prosecutors outlined charges connected to an illegal betting investigation. Court records show that Rozier and a long-time associate appeared before a magistrate judge in New York.
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Rozier appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern Division of New York, where Magistrate Judge Clay Kaminsky presided over the arraignment. His attorney entered the not-guilty plea on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Authorities released Rozier on $3 million bail backed by two properties, including one in Florida. Laster, who faces the same counts, was also released after posting $50,000 bail. Both agreed to refrain from gambling while the case moves forward and to comply with other conditions imposed by the court.
Investigators began examining Rozier earlier in the year before making an arrest in October. According to court filings, the period under review spans December 2022 through March 2024. Prosecutors claim that one event in particular raised immediate alarms: a March 23 matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Charlotte Hornets.
The indictment alleges that Rozier, then with the Hornets, told Laster he expected to leave the game early. Laster then relayed that information to sports bettors who placed roughly $200,000 on the under for a Rozier-related proposition. After nine minutes on the court, Rozier left the game citing injury. Prosecutors say both Rozier and Laster benefited from the wagers. The NBA previously reviewed the game and did not find a rules violation, though the league later placed Rozier on indefinite leave after the arrest announcement.
Rozier joined Miami in 2024 following a trade with the Hornets that involved a protected first-round pick in 2027. Team officials said they were unaware of any federal inquiry or allegations when the trade occurred. With Rozier on leave and his case unresolved, the Heat face administrative and tax-related complications.
His salary is currently directed into an interest-bearing account until the league finalises his status. Under league rules, Miami must count that salary when calculating luxury tax obligations unless the franchise formally removes him from the roster. The NBA has not yet indicated whether any trade-related terms will be adjusted in light of the investigation.