Overview
- Rozier’s motion, made public Tuesday, seeks dismissal of wire‑fraud and money‑laundering conspiracy counts by arguing prosecutors are improperly using federal law to police sportsbook terms of use.
- His lawyers cite the Supreme Court’s 2023 Ciminelli decision, contending depriving sportsbooks of information to make wagering decisions is not the kind of property fraud the statute covers.
- The defense notes the indictment does not allege Rozier placed any bets or that he knew a friend would sell his tip or that using it would violate betting rules.
- Prosecutors allege Rozier told co‑defendant Deniro Laster he would leave a March 23, 2023 Hornets–Pelicans game early, Laster sold the tip for about $100,000, and bettors wagered more than $200,000 on his unders.
- Rozier’s team argues the money‑laundering count depends on the wire‑fraud theory, prosecutors have raised a potential conflict over Rozier paying Laster’s legal fees, and Laster has filed a waiver of any conflict.