Terry Rozier believes newly revealed text messages support his defense in the federal gambling case against him.
The former Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat guard faces four federal charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
In a new court filing, Rozier denied ever participating in a scheme to manipulate his on-court performance.
His attorneys pointed to a text message allegedly sent by co-defendant Deniro Laster after the March 2023 game at the center of the investigation.
“Dont tell chum bout the bet,” Laster allegedly wrote, instructing someone not to involve Rozier in discussions about the wager.
The defense argues the message shows Rozier had no knowledge of the alleged scheme and has asked the court to dismiss two of the four charges.
“This should end the case,” Rozier said. “One does not hide a bet from the person who supposedly sold it.”
His attorneys also maintained his innocence.
“Terry Rozier is innocent,” they said. “He is a basketball player, not a gambler. He never bet on anything, never agreed to underperform, never did underperform, and did not know that anyone was wagering on his statistics in the Charlotte Hornets’ March 23, 2023, game.”
Federal prosecutors allege Rozier accepted $100,000 to leave a game early to help bettors win prop wagers.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Terry Rozier uncovers text message he says clears him in NBA gambling scandal https://t.co/R0ZNrFEKtR pic.twitter.com/yDWd9K3Quj
— New York Post (@nypost) July 31, 2026
