The FBI’s investigation into illegal gambling has resulted in significant arrests within the NBA community. On Thursday, multiple individuals, including Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, were arrested for their alleged involvement in two major illegal schemes.
Details of the Investigation
Federal prosecutors revealed that the gambling operations were partly orchestrated by organized crime families in New York, involving fraudulent wagers amounting to hundreds of millions. FBI officials reported over 30 arrests across eleven states, with more individuals likely to face charges.
Allegations Against NBA Figures
The charges include an indictment, United States vs. Earnest, which claims that Rozier and former player Damon Jones passed confidential information about NBA games to organized crime groups. This information included details about player injuries or absences, enabling the groups to place substantial illegal bets.
- Rozier’s actions were reportedly based on longstanding relationships with NBA insiders.
- This investigation encompassed specific games in 2023 and 2024, with hundreds of thousands of dollars allegedly bet illegally.
Second Indictment Unveils Poker Schemes
A second indictment, United States vs. Aiello, detailed a series of rigged poker games facilitated by these crime organizations. Victims were lured into participating by the allure of playing against well-known former athletes. Techniques such as rigged shuffling machines were used to cheat the participants out of substantial sums.
- Tens of thousands of dollars were reportedly lost per game by unsuspecting players.
Court Appearances and Reactions
Both Billups and Rozier are scheduled to appear in federal court, with arraignments planned for New York. Rozier’s attorney asserted that the player was previously considered a subject of the investigation rather than a target, expressing surprise at the arrest.
NBA’s Response to Allegations
The NBA had previously investigated Rozier over “unusual betting activity” during a March 2023 game but found no wrongdoing at that time. Rozier had recorded notably low performance stats in that game, raising concerns over betting lines.
The probe into sports betting has also surfaced other names, including Jontay Porter, a former NBA player who was banned in 2024 for manipulating game performances. He awaits sentencing for related charges in December.
This sweeping operation underscores the ongoing challenges the NBA faces in relation to gambling and integrity within the sport. The Justice Department remains vigilant as the investigation expands.
