Terry Rozier’s lawyer and federal prosecutors sparred in dueling court docket filings Friday over the importance of a textual content message despatched by a co-defendant within the NBA veteran’s playing case.
In a movement to dismiss two fees towards Rozier, lawyer David Markus wrote {that a} textual content despatched by co-conspirator Deniro Laster reveals that Rozier didn’t know in regards to the alleged bets. Laster, a childhood pal of Rozier, is accused of promoting inside details about Rozier’s plan to depart a March 2023 recreation early as a part of the alleged betting scheme.
“Dont inform chum bout the wager,” Laster wrote, in accordance with the submitting. “Chum” is Rozier’s nickname, the submitting famous.
The recipient answered, “Hell no,” in accordance with the submitting.
Markus argued that these texts, which he stated had been included within the authorities’s discovery, “ought to finish the case.”
“One doesn’t conceal a wager from the one that supposedly bought it,” he wrote.
In a response filed shortly after, federal prosecutors stated they’ve “developed proof from a number of sources that this textual content chain doesn’t relate to sports activities playing.”
Markus then responded in one other submitting that the federal government “has produced co-conspirator statements confirming that Mr. Rozier didn’t know in regards to the bets earlier than the sport.” It isn’t instantly clear what these statements are.
Markus declined remark, as did a spokesperson for the U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace for the Japanese District of New York.
Rozier was arrested in October 2025 in a sweeping indictment accusing him of manipulating his efficiency in a March 23, 2023, recreation between the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans for the good thing about gamblers. Prosecutors added two extra counts in Might, accusing Rozier of agreeing to a $100,000 bribe.
Rozier has pleaded not responsible. His attorneys requested a choose in December to dismiss the preliminary fees of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit cash laundering, arguing authorities overreach.
The brand new submitting Friday requested a choose to additionally dismiss the 2 extra fees of bribery in sporting contests and trustworthy companies wire fraud conspiracy.
Markus additionally filed a movement Friday asking for the case to be moved from the Japanese District of New York to the Southern District of Florida, the place Rozier lives. He argued that none of Rozier’s alleged actions came about in New York and requiring him to face trial in Brooklyn would trigger “unfairness and hardship.”
In one other submitting, the federal government opposed this transfer.
Rozier’s trial is scheduled for Feb. 8, 2027. Two of his co-defendants, Marves Fairley and former NBA participant and assistant coach Damon Jones, have pleaded responsible.
