BROOKLYN — An arbitrator has ruled that Terry Rozier violated his player contract, resulting in the forfeiture of his 2025-26 season salary of $26.6 million. Federal prosecutors filed a superseding indictment against Rozier, charging him with bribery in sporting contests and honest services wire fraud conspiracy.
Rozier was arrested in October and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The superseding indictment alleges he conspired with gamblers to leave a March 23, 2023 game against the New Orleans Pelicans early. Prosecutors allege Rozier informed co-defendant Deniro Laster of his intent to leave the game early, and Laster shared this information with bettors who wagered over $250,000 on Rozier's statistical output. Rozier played nine minutes in that game, recording five points, four rebounds, and two assists.
Court documents state that Rozier agreed to reduce a $100,000 bribe to approximately $70,000 after some bets lost because his rebound total exceeded the betting line. Federal authorities allege Rozier provided insider information used to place wagers on the Los Angeles Lakers, Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, and Toronto Raptors over a one-year period. Rozier has pleaded not guilty to all federal charges.
Rozier is currently free on a $3 million bond. As a condition of pretrial release, he is prohibited from contacting the Hornets. Rozier's legal team filed a motion asking U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall to lift this no-contact restriction. "The new indictment just confirms that our motion to dismiss was righteous — new charges, new theories, but all just an effort to make something stick." Attorney Jim Trusty said.
The National Basketball Players Association filed a grievance on Rozier's behalf after the NBA placed him on immediate leave. An arbitrator initially ruled that the NBA could not withhold Rozier's salary but later reversed the decision based on his bond conditions. Trusty added, "With forced inactivity, Mr. Rozier is facing a potential second season of non-participation despite being entitled to a presumption of innocence."
Rozier is scheduled to appear in Brooklyn federal court on June 10 for proceedings related to the additional charges. Former NBA player Damon Jones pleaded guilty to his role in the gambling scheme, and sports bettor Marves Fairley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Fairley stated, "I agreed to pay a player to change their game performance to give me an advantage."
Rozier averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 39.1 percent shooting during the 2024-25 season. He was waived by the Miami Heat in April 2026 and became a free agent.