NBA Coach and Player Arrested in Major Illegal Gambling Probe
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested on October 23, 2025, as part of a federal investigation into illegal gambling activities.
⚠️ Charges and Allegations
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Chauncey Billups faces charges related to his involvement in a rigged poker operation allegedly connected to organized crime families. The operation reportedly used tampered poker equipment and involved violent tactics, such as assault and extortion, to ensure repayment of gambling debts.
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Terry Rozier is accused of providing insider information about NBA games to gamblers, including details about intentions to leave a game early, which allegedly influenced betting outcomes. Rozier faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
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Former NBA player Damon Jones was also arrested in connection with the investigation.
🏟️ NBA Response
Both Billups and Rozier have been placed on leave by the NBA. The Portland Trail Blazers have appointed Tiago Splitter as interim head coach.
🔍 Scope and Impact
The FBI-led investigation has resulted in over 30 arrests, marking it as one of the most significant corruption probes in sports since the legalization of sports betting in 2018.
The case has raised concerns about the integrity of legalized sports betting and its potential impact on the fairness of NBA games, highlighting the ongoing risks of gambling-related corruption in professional sports.