Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier pleaded not guilty Monday to federal conspiracy wire fraud and money laundering charges in Brooklyn federal court. The 30-year-old was released on $3 million bond secured by his Florida home after his first court appearance in the illegal sports gambling case.
Rozier and co-defendant Deniro Laster were arrested and indicted in October. Federal prosecutors allege Rozier informed Laster he would remove himself early from a March 2023 game while playing for the Charlotte Hornets, information Laster then sold to sports gamblers.
Laster, described as Rozier’s friend, also pleaded not guilty and was released on $50,000 bond. His bond was secured through his mother and cousin as sureties. Both defendants sat at separate tables during their arraignment before the federal judge.
The indictment alleges Laster sold Rozier’s information to two sports gamblers who placed bets and distributed the intelligence to others within a wagering syndicate. The two defendants were scheduled to return to court Monday afternoon for an additional hearing alongside other defendants in the case.
Rozier has been on unpaid leave from the Heat since October, though his $26.6 million salary was placed in escrow. The NBPA has filed a grievance challenging the leave. Miami lacks clarity on whether they can trade Rozier this season.
The veteran guard is in the final year of his contract. His $26.6 million expiring deal could provide Miami with significant salary flexibility to acquire help via trade if league rules permit his movement.