Attorneys representing NBA player Terry Rozier have filed a new motion to dismiss charges in the ongoing federal sports betting case. The legal dispute centers on a specific text message sent by co-defendant Deniro Laster, which defense counsel claims proves Rozier had no knowledge of the alleged scheme. In the exchange, Laster instructs an associate not to mention a bet to 'Chum,' which is identified as Rozier’s nickname.
Defense attorney David Markus argues that hiding the bet from the person who allegedly sold the inside information should invalidate the government’s case. He asserts that one would not conceal a wager from the primary participant in the alleged conspiracy. Markus maintains that other co-conspirator statements also confirm Rozier was unaware of the bets made before the game.
Federal prosecutors immediately countered in a follow-up filing. They claim their investigation has produced evidence from multiple sources that the text chain in question is unrelated to sports gambling. The government maintains that the charges of bribery and wire fraud conspiracy remain valid despite the defense's latest motion.
In addition to the dismissal request, Rozier’s legal team is pushing to transfer the venue from the Eastern District of New York to the Southern District of Florida, where the player resides. They argue that the trial in Brooklyn creates unnecessary hardship given that none of the alleged activities took place in that jurisdiction. The government has formally opposed this move.
Rozier was initially arrested in October 2025 following an indictment involving the alleged manipulation of game performance. Two other individuals involved in the case have already entered guilty pleas. The current trial date for Rozier is set for February 8, 2027.