Here’s how indictment says Terry Rozier shared information that paid off for bettors
Summary
The federal indictment unsealed in New York accuses Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier, a friend and others of a scheme that allegedly used inside information to win prop bets. Prosecutors say Rozier told a friend he would leave a game early with a fake injury, enabling people in the know to bet the “under” on his points and collect winnings. The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. The indictment also names others, including an unofficial Lakers assistant, Damon Jones, accused of sharing non-public player availability for betting advantage.
Key Points
- Rozier allegedly told a longtime friend he would “prematurely remove himself from the game” and not return, ahead of a Hornets–Pelicans game.
- That tip was used to place prop bets on Rozier scoring under his usual total; insiders reportedly placed more than $250,000 in wagers tied to the scheme.
- Deniro “Niro” Laster is accused of passing the information to others and collecting tens of thousands of dollars from bettors, then meeting at Rozier’s home to count proceeds.
- The indictment references other players (identifiable from public injury reports) whose availability was discussed privately; those players are not accused of wrongdoing.
- Damon Jones, an unofficial Lakers assistant in 2022–23, is separately accused of texting non-public info about player availability to tip off bets on at least two games.
- Rozier’s lawyer says he is “not a gambler” and intends to fight the charges; the case centres on alleged exploitation of prop-bet markets using inside information.
Context and relevance
This story matters because it touches on sports integrity, the rapid growth of prop betting, and how inside information can be monetised. Prop bets—wagers on individual player stats rather than game outcomes—are especially vulnerable to leaks from players, staff or others with non-public knowledge. The case also highlights legal risks for players and associates and potential regulatory scrutiny for leagues and betting operators.
Why should I read this?
Want the quick version? This is a messy, headline-making scandal: an NBA player is accused of tipping off bettors so they could win big on prop bets. If you follow the NBA, gambling integrity, or legal stories around sports, it’s worth a skim — we’ve boiled down the essentials so you don’t have to wade through the indictment yourself.
