Terry Rozier’s lawyers filed a motion Friday asking a federal judge to dismiss two of the four charges against the former Charlotte Hornets guard, arguing newly surfaced evidence undermines the government’s case, per Yahoo Sports.
The centerpiece of the defense is a March 2023 text sent by co-defendant Deniro Laster: “Dont tell chum bout the bet.” Rozier’s attorneys argue that “chum” was Laster’s nickname for Rozier himself, not an intermediary. If true, the message would indicate Rozier had no knowledge of the betting operation.
What Rozier is accused of
Federal prosecutors allege that Rozier removed himself from Hornets games in 2023 to manipulate his statistics and help associates profit from sports bets placed on his individual performance. He was arrested in October 2025 and has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors have since sought to add additional charges.
The trial is set for February 8, 2027. Earlier in July, a judge denied Rozier’s request to modify his bail conditions, a ruling that has blocked him from pursuing an NBA contract while the case is pending.
A career stuck in neutral
Rozier, 32, hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2024-25 season. The Miami Heat waived him in April 2026. No team has signed him since, leaving a former combo guard who was averaging close to 17 points per game in 2023-24 entirely out of the league at an age when most guards are still productive.
The motion to dismiss could take months to resolve. His trial date in February 2027 is the clearest timeline the case has.
