Heat’s Rozier seeks dismissal of federal sports gambling charges

SUSPENDED Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is waiting to hear whether a federal court judge will dismiss the charges against him in a well-publicized sports gambling case.

The Athletic reported that an attorney representing Rozier filed a motion to dismiss the case earlier this month in the Eastern Division of New York. The filing became public on Tuesday.

Jim Trusty, who is representing Rozier, contended in documents that the player cannot be charged under federal law because the charges actually should fall under state law.

In addition, Trusty claimed in his filing that the charging documents don’t clearly state Rozier’s involvement in the case.

“The government has billed this case as involving ‘insider betting’ and ‘rigging’ professional basketball games,” Trusty wrote. “But the indictment alleges something less headline-worthy: that some bettors broke certain sportsbooks’ terms of use.”

Rozier, 31, was arrested Oct. 23 and charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering. Also arrested was Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups.

Both entered not guilty pleas, and Rozier is free on $3-million bond. — Reuters