Terry Rozier’s Lawyer Makes Stunning Admission in NBA Gambling Case
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier’s attorney pushed back Tuesday against allegations that his client provided inside information to bettors in one of the largest federal sports betting investigations in NBA history.
In an interview with FOX News Channel’s The Will Cain Show, attorney Jim Trusty acknowledged that Rozier discussed his injury with a childhood friend — but insisted that the conversation was personal, not criminal.
Rozier’s Attorney: ‘Confiding in a Friend Is Not a Crime’
Rozier, 31, is accused of giving nonpublic health information to his friend Deniro Laster before a March 2023 game while he was still playing for the
In the unsealed indictments reviewed by Heavy Sports, Federal prosecutors allege that Rozier told Laster he planned to leave the game early because of a lingering foot injury. Laster then allegedly sold that information to bettors for roughly $100,000, before Rozier exited the game after just nine minutes.
But Trusty argued that Rozier’s comments were not part of a gambling conspiracy.
“Confiding in a friend, a childhood friend, and saying, ‘Man, I’m banged up, it’s the end of the season, we’re out of the playoffs, I think I’m going to sit early in this game’ — that’s not a crime,” Trusty said. “That’s simply confiding in a friend. Whatever that friend did is not on Terry.”
Trusty added that the allegations were thin and framed Rozier as a victim of association rather than intent.
“Maybe the league should create rules that say you can only tell a manager, trainer or your mom,” Trusty said. “But what Terry did isn’t illegal. The allegations in the indictment are incredibly thin.”
Prosecutors Say Rozier Counted Gambling Proceeds
According to the federal indictment, however, Rozier allegedly paid for Laster’s travel to Philadelphia, where Laster collected the proceeds of the bet. Prosecutors said Laster later drove to Rozier’s home, where the two counted the cash together.
Both men were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering as part of a sweeping federal operation that led to 34 arrests, including those of
Trusty flatly denied that Rozier was involved in any money exchange.
“We very much dispute that,” Trusty said. “Terry Rozier had a $100 million contract and a major shoe endorsement. The idea that he’d risk that to fake an injury for $100,000 is absurd.”
Rozier’s Lawyer: ‘He Actually Lost Money’
Getty Jim Trusty, attorney for Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, talks to press outside the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Trusty said Rozier’s decision to rest his injured foot was medically supported and cost him financially.
“This was a guy who was banged up after a long 82-game season,” Trusty said. “The Hornets were out of the playoffs. Medical staff knew. Coaching staff knew. He sat the final few games. He actually lost money — his shoe deal had appearance bonuses he didn’t reach.”
Trusty emphasized that Rozier’s injury was chronic and that he was acting on medical advice, not betting motivations.
“This wasn’t some secret plan. It was a normal end-of-season shutdown,” he said.
Rozier Posts Bail, Salary Held in Escrow
Rozier, who was traded to the Miami Heat in 2024, has since posted bail, using his $6 million Florida home as collateral.
According to
“I’m not seeing anything that makes me think Terry should have been charged,” Trusty said. “This is a situation where a friend took information and ran with it. Terry didn’t do anything.”
Rozier’s case is part of an expanding federal investigation into illegal betting networks tied to current and former NBA figures, raising further questions about the league’s integrity policies in the age of legalized sports wagering.
"Kandi Burruss Opens Up About Struggles in 2025: 'It's Been a Tough Year'
confession, the business mogul opened up about the hardships she’s encountered, revealing just how challenging 2025 has been for her.
Kandi shared that this year has been far from easy, especially when it comes to her businesses. She had to make the incredibly difficult decision to close down two of her beloved restaurants, which not only affected her financially but also led to the heartbreaking need to lay off employees who had come to rely on that income. “It’s been so tough,” Kandi admitted, reflecting on how the closures impacted not only her but her staff as well.
In addition to her business struggles, Kandi has been facing an emotional toll as her Aunt Bertha battles Alzheimer’s. Watching a loved one go through such a painful illness has weighed heavily on Kandi’s heart. As if that weren’t enough, ongoing family drama has added further pressure to her already difficult year.
Despite the weight of these challenges, Kandi reminded her followers that life goes on even when the cameras stop rolling. “Life still happens,” she said, acknowledging that her reality is not always as glamorous as it seems. But what matters most to Kandi is her resilience. She stressed the importance of staying open and transparent, even during the most trying times, and finding the strength to get back up and keep pushing forward.
Kandi’s message is a powerful reminder that life can be tough, even for those who seem to have it all together. Her journey this year may not have been easy, but her ability to bounce back and keep moving forward is an inspiration to us all. Let’s continue to lift Kandi, her family, and everyone facing similar struggles in prayer. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
PHOTOS: RHOC Cast Shows Off Looks for Season 19 Reunion, See Heather Dubrow’s $60 Dress as Katie Announces Watch Party DJed by Mike Shay Amid Feud With Scheana
The Real Housewives of Orange County
season 19 reunion looks have arrived.
Weeks after the cast, including Shannon Beador, 61, Heather Dubrow, 56, Tamra Judge, 58, Gina Kirschenheiter, 41, Katie Ginella, 41,
Emily Simpson, 49, Jennifer Pedranti, 48, and Gretchen Rossi, 46, filmed the upcoming three-part special with host Andy Cohen, 57, they showed off their “glamour” and “classic” vibes in shades of red and pink.
Images via Bravo
Shannon, who was the only cast member in a short dress with her hair half-up, chose Dolce & Gabbana for her gown and had her hair done by
Justin Toves-Vincilione and makeup from Nichole Ray.
