In court Monday to seek a dismissal of federal charges, former Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier learned prosecutors are expanding the case against him with intentions to present new charges to a grand jury.
Federal prosecutors informed Rozier’s legal team two hours before a court appearance on Monday that they plan to bring new charges alleging Rozier committed crimes of bribery and fraud, depriving the Charlotte Hornets and NBA of “honest services” when he conspired to produce a specific ill-gotten result for the financial benefit of an alliance of acquaintances and bettors.
The new charges will not automatically expand the federal case against Rozier. A grand jury would weigh new evidence presented before deciding whether it merits being added to the case.
Rozier, 32, pleaded not guilty in December to conspiracy charges involving wire fraud and money laundering.
He successfully fought for his $26.6 million salary from the Miami Heat before his release became official earlier this month. The Heat placed Rozier on administrative leave and began depositing his paychecks into an interest-bearing escrow account shortly after his Oct. 23 arrest.
Rozier is accused of alerting gamblers that he would leave a game early while playing for the Charlotte Hornets in March 2023. The gamblers then bet large sums on the “under” for Rozier’s stats in that contest.
Rozier averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 64 games (23 starts) for the Heat last season. His career averages through 10 NBA seasons for the Boston Celtics, Charlotte and Miami are 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
