Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier arrested - BBC
Original story by: BBC News
Last updated: Oct 23, 2025
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- Context: The FBI has announced charges against dozens of individuals in two separate investigations involving illegal sports betting and mafia-linked poker games. These investigations have led to the immediate placement of NBA player Terry Rozier and coach Chauncey Billups on leave by the NBA. The cases highlight allegations of betting irregularities and sophisticated schemes to defraud participants in illegal gambling activities.
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- Detailed Summary:
- Sports Betting Irregularities: Miami Heat player Terry Rozier is among six people arrested for alleged betting irregularities, including claims of faked injuries to manipulate bets. Prosecutors stated Rozier allegedly informed close associates of his intention to leave a game early with a supposed injury, allowing conspirators to place bets that yielded significant profits. This incident is linked to one of seven NBA games identified in a broader scheme involving insider information to manipulate bets on major platforms. Rozier's lawyer denies the allegations, asserting his client is not a gambler and is looking forward to clearing his name.
- Illegal Poker Games and Organized Crime: Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups is one of 31 individuals charged in a separate case involving illegal poker games facilitated by organized crime figures. The scheme allegedly lured victims to play in rigged games with former professional athletes, including Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones. These games, held in various locations, allegedly resulted in victims losing millions of dollars through sophisticated cheating methods such as altered shuffling machines, marked cards read with special lenses, and X-ray tables.
- Organized Crime Involvement: The illegal poker game case involves members and associates of prominent crime families, including the Bonanno, Genovese, and Gambino families. Threats and intimidation were reportedly used by these groups to extract payments from victims who refused to pay. Charges in this case include robbery, extortion, wire fraud, bank fraud, and illegal gambling, with total losses estimated at $7 million.
- Legal Proceedings and NBA Response: US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. stated that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The FBI described the arrests as part of a "coordinated takedown across 11 states." The NBA has expressed its commitment to the integrity of the game and is reviewing the federal indictments. Former NBA player Damon Jones has also been arrested in connection with both cases.
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