Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier posted his Florida mansion as collateral for a $3-million bond in the growing NBA sports-betting scandal, according to the New York Post.
Key Takeaways
- Rozier posts his mansion as bail ahead of potential plea talks.
- He pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
- NBA coach Chauncey Billups and ex-player Damon Jones are also facing charges.
The 31-year-old, who pleaded not guilty, was arrested in October. He is accused of tipping off his childhood friend, Deniro Laster, that he would fake an injury and leave a game early while playing for the Charlotte Hornets in 2023.
Prosecutors say Laster sold the information for $100,000 to a betting syndicate, and it is alleged that gamblers made hundreds of thousands of dollars wagering the under on Rozier’s statistics, knowing of his planned early departure.
Rozier is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, with a possible 20-year sentence.
At a hearing in Brooklyn this week, prosecutors indicated plea negotiations could begin soon for either Rozier or any of five others involved, and the case has been adjourned to March 3, 2026. Meanwhile, Rozier’s attorney said he would file motions for dismissal. Rozier is currently suspended by the NBA and is not receiving installments of his $26.6-million salary.
Rozier’s case is not the only ongoing NBA-related scandal. Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and ex-player Damon Jones - along with several members of the New York mob - have been indicted in relation to an alleged rigged poker scheme.
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MLB pitch-rigging case moves toward 2026 trial
Betting-related indictments have also made the headlines around baseball, and last week it was revealed Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz will stand trial beginning May 4, 2026.
The two are facing federal charges related to an alleged pitch-rigging scheme that was designed to help sports bettors profit. The trial date was set at a conference in Brooklyn federal court earlier this week, where it was noted that no plea offers have been extended.
According to the indictment, Clase began conspiring with bettors in 2023 to predetermine pitch types and speeds during MLB games. Prosecutors allege the bettors used that information to place prop bets, that Clase sometimes coordinated with bettors during games, and that he threw pitches deliberately into the dirt to ensure they would be called balls.
Bettors allegedly won at least $400,000 in illegal wagers, and Clase reportedly received bribes and kickbacks. Ortiz is accused of joining the scheme this year, allegedly agreeing to throw balls in two games in exchange for payments. Both have pleaded not guilty.
Clase and Ortiz have been ordered to return to federal court Jan. 15.
