Federal prosecutors allege NBA guard Terry Rozier agreed to a $100,000 bribe to intentionally leave a 2023 game early. The alleged purpose was to allow gamblers to win bets based on Rozier failing to reach his typical points, assists, and rebounds totals. The new charges add bribery in sporting contests and honest services wire fraud conspiracy to existing wire fraud charges filed in October. The case is part of a larger betting scandal involving 34 defendants, including Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones. Rozier’s lawyer denies his involvement and claims other defendants are lying to gain favor with prosecutors.
"Federal prosecutors filed two new charges against the NBA point guard Thursday, alleging that he agreed to a $100,000 bribe as part of a gambling scheme that involved him intentionally removing himself early in a 2023 game so gamblers could win bets on him failing to reach his usual totals of points, assists and rebounds."
"The new indictment adds charges of bribery in sporting contests and honest services wire fraud conspiracy to the existing two wire fraud charges he has faced since October. Those charges followed a sprawling indictment of 34 defendants that also ensnared Hall of Fame player and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former Lakers assistant coach Damon Jones."
"Consider this comparison: Rozier, a 10-year veteran out of Louisville, has been paid $162 million playing for four NBA teams. He was under contract for $26 million for the 2025-2026 season. The $100,000 bribe prosecutors say he agreed to is the equivalent of $384 for someone making $100,000 a year."
"Rozier's lawyer calls the case prosecutorial overreach driven by desperate cooperators. Rozier is not speaking to the media because of the ongoing criminal case, but his lawyer said that other defendants are lying about Rozier's involvement to gain favor with prosecutors."
Read at Los Angeles Times
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