A federal judge has dealt a major blow to Terry Rozier’s hopes of returning to the NBA while facing sports gambling charges. The former Miami Heat guard’s request to modify bail conditions—allowing him to practice and play with potential witnesses—was denied Wednesday, casting doubt on his immediate future in the league.
U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall ruled that monitoring on-court conversations between Rozier and witnesses would be impossible. She also scolded Rozier for violating his $3 million bond’s no-contact provision by texting a prohibited individual, stating, “What that tells me is that he believes he knows better than the court.”
Rozier, 32, is charged with bribery and conspiracy for allegedly accepting $70,000 to tip gamblers that he would leave a March 2023 game early due to a lingering injury—a plan not disclosed on the injury report. He faces trial in February and has pleaded not guilty. His new attorney, David Markus, argued that the current restrictions effectively ban Rozier from the NBA, but the judge countered, “Unfortunately, there is a consequence of being under indictment.”
Rozier’s bail already bars contact with over a dozen potential witnesses, including seven former Charlotte Hornets teammates now playing for other teams. A proposal to have a lawyer monitor interactions was rejected as unfeasible. The judge also deferred a decision on travel to Canada for games until Rozier signs an NBA contract, noting a similar request to play in Greece was denied for another defendant.
Rozier, a 10-year NBA veteran averaging 3.9 points per game, was released by the Heat in April and remains a free agent. His legal team is also seeking to dismiss the case or move it from New York to Miami.