Terry Rozier's attorney files motion to dismiss charges based on text message evidence

NBA player Terry Rozier is facing allegations related to a gambling controversy, with prosecutors contesting his claims of innocence. Rozier is accused of intentionally leaving a game while playing for the Charlotte Hornets to allow friends to place bets on his performance. Attorney David Markus has filed a motion to dismiss two charges against Rozier, citing a text from co-defendant Deniro Laster, which suggests Rozier was unaware of any bets and did not consent to any manipulation of the game. The text, sent six days after Rozier played only nine minutes due to an injury, allegedly reads, "Dont tell chum bout the bet." Markus argues that this indicates no agreement to fix the game. However, federal prosecutors assert that the text does not pertain to sports gambling and claim to have evidence that Rozier communicated with Laster about taking himself out of the game early. This communication allegedly allowed Laster to place wagers based on insider information. The indictment states that Rozier was not listed on the team's injury report and that Laster sold this information to others, leading to approximately $200,000 in wagers on Rozier's performance. Rozier was waived by the Miami Heat earlier this year. Additionally, prosecutors have indicated plans to file further charges related to sports bribery and wire fraud, asserting that Rozier solicited and received a bribe in connection with the gambling scheme. The case is part of a broader investigation that has led to multiple arrests related to insider betting on NBA games.