Prosecutors: Terry Rozier Took $100,000 to Tank Hornets Game

Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York filed a superseding indictment this week that adds a sports bribery charge against Terry Rozier. The filing alleges he accepted $100,000 to intentionally underperform in the Charlotte Hornets’ March 23, 2023 game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The indictment says Rozier agreed to “tank” the game and signaled to co‑conspirators which contest he would withdraw from so bettors could place prop wagers. It expands charges first brought in October that accused Rozier, Eric Earnest, Shane Hennen, Marves Fairley and Deniro Laster of conspiring to use inside information to win bets and defraud sportsbooks, including wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy counts.

According to the filing, Rozier planned to cite a prior leg injury as the reason for leaving the game. He was not on an official injury report before tipoff and finished with five points, four rebounds and two assists. Prosecutors allege gamblers placed more than $258,700 in wagers tied to his expected underperformance. The indictment alleges Rozier agreed to reduce the payment to $70,000 after one prop was affected by his four rebounds.

The filing alleges Rozier offered part of the payment to Deniro Laster, who with Hennen “lined up individuals who were poised to be on the inside information once Rozier identified that particular game he would withdraw from.” Prosecutors contend the defendants conspired to defraud the Hornets and the NBA of Rozier’s “honest and faithful services.”

Marves Fairley pleaded guilty to seven counts of wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy in this case and a separate NCAA point‑shaving scheme. His plea, entered hours before the superseding indictment, is cited in court filings. Federal filings indicate some defendants have provided statements and cooperation as prosecutors expanded charges.

Rozier has pleaded not guilty to the original counts and in December asked a judge to dismiss the case. His attorney, Jim Trusty, criticized the new indictment, calling it “new charges, new theories, but all just a sad effort to make something stick.” Trusty also argued that some co‑defendants face substantial exposure and may have incentives to cooperate with prosecutors.

The investigation remains active. Rozier is entitled to the presumption of innocence as pretrial motions and any trial proceed. Prosecutors continue to pursue the sports bribery allegation alongside the earlier wire fraud and money laundering counts.