Rozier pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to sports bribery charges, and Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall wants the NBA to chime in about the former player’s ability to contract his former team.
The NBA can have a say in whether Terry Rozier ever plays in the league again. Whether it indulges remains to be seen.
During a status conference on Wednesday in the Eastern District of New York, federal judge LaShann DeArcy Hall told attorneys that she wanted input from the league before she decides if Rozier – who federal prosecutors have charged with soliciting and accepting a $100,000 bribe and manipulating his performance for the benefit of bettors in 2023 – can contact the Charlotte Hornets about future opportunities. Rozier was playing for Charlotte when he allegedly underperformed and left a March 23, 2023 game early against the New Orleans Pelicans to cash several prop bets for gamblers.
Rozier, who pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to the sports bribery charge that was levied in late May, is currently barred by the court from contacting the Hornets. Rozier’s legal team has asked that the guard, who hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2024-2025 season, be allowed to speak with the Charlotte front office.
Prosecutor: NBA Doesn’t Want Rozier Back
While the NBA has taken no stance either publicly or in court filings, federal prosecutor Kaitlin T. Farrell said she believes the league wishes for Rozier, 32, to remain sidelined. Rozier earlier pleaded not not guilty to charges of honest services fraud, wire fraud and money laundering and is set for a Feb. 8 trial.
“The NBA has literally flagrantly fouled the presumption of innocence,” Rozier attorney Jim Trusty told reporters outside of the courthouse in Brooklyn.
“They should be ashamed of themselves. As you heard in the hearing today, they’re still trying to find ways to pretend they’re victims and that Terry should be prohibited from playing basketball, at least practically speaking. They are not on the side of angels in this case. They’ve made a decision to completely contradict the presumption of innocence. They never gave it to him.”
Rozier’s Career In Limbo as Trial Date Awaits
Charlotte traded Rozier to Miami in January of 2024. Rozier collected his $26.6 million salary from the Heat for the 2025-2026 season, even though the NBA had placed him on leave after his arrest in October. An arbitrator ruled in May, however, that he must forfeit most of that salary, according to NBC News, because the conditions of his pre-trial release – including stringent travel and Heat and Hornets contact limitations – put him in violation of his contract.
Federal prosecutors have subsequently allowed Rozier to speak with Heat players, coaches and executives because the team released him in April, but the Charlotte restriction remains.
Terry Rozier superseding indictment
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