Miami basketball player Terry Rozier has pleaded not guilty to charges that he helped gamblers bet on his performance in NBA games.
Rozier formally pleaded guilty during a hearing in federal court in Brooklyn to charges of wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors said Rozier conspired with friends to help them win bets on his appearance in a game against Charlotte in March 2023.
He was released on $3 million bail, secured by his Florida home. Judge Clay Kamiskey ordered him not to gamble, not to possess any firearms and not to have contact with the victims, defendants and witnesses in the case.
Rozier surrendered his passport and was restricted from traveling between Florida, Ohio, and New York unless previously approved.
Dressed in a gray suit, the 31-year-old basketball player did not speak in court, except to answer the judge's questions with "yes" or "no."
Previously, he appeared before a federal judge on Oct. 23 in Orlando, when prosecutors first announced the indictment.
One of his lawyers, Jim Trusty, denied the allegations at the time, saying his client "is not a gambler and is looking forward to winning this fight."
More than 30 people have been arrested in a federal investigation into illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports, including several members of the Mafia. Portland coach Chauncey Billups has pleaded not guilty to a separate scheme to fix illegal high-stakes poker games that was supported by the Mafia.
Prosecutors said Rozier informed bookmakers that he intended to leave the game against New Orleans early due to an alleged injury, allowing them to place bets and make tens of thousands of dollars.
Rozir played the first nine minutes and 36 seconds of the game before leaving the field with a foot problem. He did not play again that season.
Rozir and Bilaps are on unpaid leave from their clubs until the court proceedings are completed.
Rozier earned about $160 million during his 10-year NBA career. He was the first overall pick in the 2015 draft by Boston. Charlotte traded him to Miami last year.
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