Terry Rozier’s lawyers want a separate trial from childhood friend Deniro Laster, and they plan to argue that Laster alone knew about the bets. A joint filing Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court asks the judge to split the February gambling trial.
Terry Rozier Separate Trial Request Lands in Brooklyn
Rozier’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, and Laster’s attorney, M. Evan Corcoran, filed the joint motion on Wednesday, October 21, according to Los Angeles Magazine, which detailed the filing Thursday. Both men face trial on February 8, 2027. U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall has not ruled.
The lawyers propose two back-to-back trials of about a week and a half each, with Rozier going first. Covers reports that the split would fit inside the three weeks the court already reserved for one joint trial. Corcoran does not object to that order, per Los Angeles Magazine. Prosecutors oppose the request, and the magazine says they “staunchly” oppose it.
The filing makes an unusual argument. Complex obtained the letter, which says a joint trial would put Laster in front of two prosecutors and make the jury hear the case against him twice. The same letter says Rozier’s lawyers “will spend as much effort prosecuting Mr. Laster in this trial as the government.” Rozier’s team plans to point at his friend, and Laster’s team wants no part of a trial built that way.
The Chum Text Gives the Defense a New Exhibit
The defense points to a text message Laster allegedly sent on March 29, 2023, six days after the game at the center of the case. According to Covers, the message read “Don’t tell chum bout the bet.” Rozier’s side says “chum” refers to Rozier, which would mean Laster hid the bets from him. Baller Alert reports that prosecutors read the message differently and say it had nothing to do with sports gambling.
Details about the message vary by outlet. Los Angeles Magazine says investigators recovered it from Laster’s phone and says Laster sent it the same day prosecutors claim he collected gambling proceeds in Philadelphia. Covers says Markus tied it to $70,000 in proceeds that Laster allegedly collected from alleged co-conspirator Marves Fairley before he met Rozier. Los Angeles Magazine does not mention Fairley or the $70,000.
Prosecutors tell a different story about the game itself. They allege Rozier told Laster he would leave the March 23, 2023 Hornets-Pelicans game early, and Laster passed that tip to bettors. Covers puts the alleged wagers on Rozier’s statistical unders above $250,000. Baller Alert, citing the Justice Department, says more than $200,000. Complex reports a $100,000 bribe, while Baller Alert says Laster allegedly passed the information for about $100,000.
Medical Records and Missed Bets Anchor the Injury Defense
Markus says newly produced NBA medical records “demonstrate conclusively” that Rozier had a foot injury, according to Covers. The defense says that injury explains why Rozier left the game. Covers lists his line before the exit as five points, two assists, and one 3-pointer. Baller Alert says he played about nine minutes.
The defense also argues that Rozier finished above his projected rebound total, which caused some bets tied to the alleged scheme to lose. That point supports the claim that Rozier knew nothing about the wagers. Prosecutors have not answered it in the reports reviewed.
Rozier pleaded not guilty. Covers reports that federal agents arrested him in October 2025 while he played for the Miami Heat. The NBA placed him on indefinite leave, and the Heat waived him at the end of last season. He holds no NBA roster spot now. Baller Alert lists the charges as conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, sports bribery, and honest services wire fraud conspiracy.
Blame Strategy Revives a December 2025 Conflict Warning
Background from December 2025 shows why the split request matters. Complex reports that prosecutors wrote to Judge DeArcy Hall that month and voiced concern that Rozier might use Laster as a scapegoat. They raised it after learning Rozier paid for Laster’s lawyer. Baller Alert says NBC News first reported the conflict concern. Wednesday’s filing now states that strategy openly.
Rozier’s other lawyer, James Trusty, previewed the theme on Fox News, according to Complex. Trusty said confiding in a friend does not amount to a crime and that “whatever that friend did is not on Terry.” Other defendants have moved on. Covers reports that Shane Hennen pleaded guilty on October 14 to his role as a fixer. Complex says Laster now stands as the last co-defendant, and some alleged co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty.
A commentary piece on SportsHL from August 8 adds that prosecutors asked the court that month to revoke Laster’s bond. They alleged he violated release conditions and contacted co-defendants. Those claims remain allegations, and no outlet accuses Rozier of tampering. Watch for three things next. DeArcy Hall must rule on the severance request. Prosecutors must file their written arguments against it. The February 8 trial date must hold if the judge grants a split.
