NBA player Terry Rozier hit with new bribery charges in sports gambling sting
Federal prosecutors indicted former NBA player Terry Rozier on new bribery and fraud charges related to a $100,000 scheme to fix a March 2023 game.Summary
Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn filed a superseding indictment against former Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier, adding charges of bribery in sporting contests and honest services wire fraud conspiracy. The new indictment alleges Rozier conspired with gamblers to leave a March 2023 game early—citing a leg injury—to ensure underwhelming statistical performance, enabling bettors to cash in on over $250,000 in wagers against the point-total lines. Although some bets failed due to unexpected rebounds, Rozier and co-conspirators reduced the promised bribe from $100,000 to $70,000. Rozier, who pleaded not guilty in December to prior wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges, denies involvement and is fighting dismissal, with his attorney arguing the case conflicts with a recent Supreme Court narrowing of the wire fraud statute. The indictment was filed hours after sports bettor Marves Fairley (aka “Vezino Locks”) pleaded guilty to related charges, admitting he paid Rozier’s friend $100,000 for insider information about Rozier’s early exit. Fairley’s attorney stated his client regrets his conduct. Rozier remains free on $3 million bond and has not played this season. Former NBA player Damon Jones has pleaded guilty in the same case, and Fairley’s plea included admissions about schemes targeting NBA, NCAA, and Chinese Professional Basketball League games.
(Source：Baltimore Sun)