The “Operation Nothing But Bet” case just got political: This is James M. Trusty, the lawyer for Terry Rozier
Former Trump lawyer Trusty, a longtime federal prosecutor, is defending Miami Heat guard Rozier in the FBI’s gambling probe.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, like Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, has been released after being detained as part of an FBI investigation into illegal sports betting and rigged poker games allegedly tied to organized crime. The case has been billed “Operation Nothing But Bet.”
Rozier, who was suspended by the Heat, secured his release by posting his $6 million Florida home as bond and surrendering his passport, according to Sports Illustrated. The point guard was arrested in Florida and is among six suspects accused of using insider NBA information to facilitate illegal sports bets for profit.
Rozier’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 8 in Brooklyn, where he will face charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. It has now been revealed that he will be defended by a high-profile lawyer with close ties to President Donald Trump.
Who is James M. Trusty?
James M. Trusty, a former federal prosecutor with 17 years of experience at the U.S. Department of Justice, has represented Rozier for more than a year.
Trusty, who has practiced law for more than 35 years, served as chief of the DOJ’s Organized Crime and Gang Section from 2010 to 2017 before joining Ifrah Law, a firm focused on gaming law.
Connections to Trump and lobbying work
He is best known for joining Trump’s legal team in 2022, defending the former president in federal investigations related to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and the handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Trusty withdrew from Trump’s legal cases in 2023, citing “irreconcilable differences,” though he continued publicly defending Trump in the media.
Earlier this year, Trusty launched a lobbying firm, NexusOne Consulting, whose website features a photo of him with Trump. The firm promotes Trusty’s White House connections to assist AI and cryptocurrency companies.
Terry Rozier’s lawyer, James Trusty, in a statement sent to @CBSMiami :
— Mike Cugno (@MikeCugnoCBS4) October 23, 2025
“Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight.” pic.twitter.com/46XZAoBV3t
Trusty’s legal approach
Trusty is known for questioning the motives of prosecutors and framing cases as examples of overreach or political bias. He has already applied that approach to “Operation Nothing But Bet,” criticizing what he called the FBI’s focus on “embarrassing” Rozier, a high-profile athlete.
Reports indicate that Trusty contacted federal prosecutors before Rozier’s indictment and expressed surprise at the timing and manner of his arrest.
NBA consequences for Rozier
In terms of the NBA, observers have speculated that Rozier could face a similar outcome to former Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy after allegedly manipulating his participation in a game to affect betting outcomes. Porter was banned from the NBA for life in April 2024.
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