NEW YORK — Former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is set to stand trial on February 8, 2027, in a federal gambling case that also names three co-defendants. He has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, argues the NBA is blocking his client from resuming his career while the case is pending. “The NBA has literally flagrantly fouled the presumption of innocence,” Trusty told reporters, accusing the league of portraying itself as a victim to keep Rozier off the court.
Trusty has asked Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall to lift a bond condition that bars Rozier from playing in the NBA. The league must respond by Monday.
Rozier also entered not-guilty pleas on Wednesday to additional counts of sports bribery and honest-services wire fraud conspiracy filed last month. His legal team has petitioned both the Department of Justice and Judge Hall to drop all charges.
Payton Confident NBA Will Return to Seattle
Hall of Fame guard Gary Payton told The Arizona Republic he expects an expansion franchise to bring the NBA back to Seattle alongside Las Vegas. “Seattle will be back with Las Vegas, so I’m not really worried,” Payton said, citing support from local government and Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke.
Kratom Under Spotlight After Clarke’s Death
The recent death of former NBA player Brandon Clarke has intensified scrutiny of kratom, the substance found in his vehicle during a recent Arkansas arrest. Multiple states are moving to ban or restrict the herbal supplement; Tennessee will impose new limits beginning July 1.
Silver Says 65-Game Rule Boosted Star Participation
Commissioner Adam Silver told reporters the league’s 65-game minimum for awards eligibility reduced single-game absences classified as load management by 30 percent this season. “Our star participation was up, actually, significantly,” Silver said, adding that players do not want to let fans down.
Source: Hoops Rumors
