In a significant crackdown on illegal sports betting schemes, the FBI has arrested several individuals, including Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups. These arrests are part of two distinct investigations involving illegal gambling activities and mafia-linked poker games.
Terry Rozier Arrested for Alleged Betting Irregularities
Terry Rozier, along with five others, was arrested due to alleged betting manipulations involving insider information. Rozier’s lawyer has denied these allegations, asserting that he is not a gambler and expressing confidence in his ability to clear his name. The NBA has placed Rozier on immediate leave while they investigate the federal charges against him.
- Rozier’s arrest is linked to a betting scheme that involved insider information.
- Seven NBA games between February 2023 and March 2024 have been identified as part of this investigation.
- Rozier played a questionable nine minutes in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring only five points.
The FBI’s probe highlighted Rozier’s alleged involvement in a game where he reportedly planned to exit early due to a supposed injury. This information reportedly allowed conspirators to place lucrative bets, yielding profits in the tens of thousands.
Portland Trail Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups Charged
Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups is among 31 individuals charged in a separate case involving illegal poker games. These games allegedly involved organized crime figures and swindled players out of millions.
- The FBI’s investigation revealed a sophisticated scheme using advanced technology to manipulate poker games.
- Billups and others allegedly used altered equipment and specialized tools to cheat victims.
- The poker scheme included ties to organized crime families, such as the Bonanno, Genovese, and Gambino families.
Details of the Poker Game Scheme
The second investigation has identified numerous victims lured into high-stakes games across various cities, including Las Vegas and Manhattan. Many victims were reportedly extorted for significant amounts, with estimates suggesting losses could reach $7 million.
| Victim Losses | Individual Loss |
|---|---|
| $7 million total | $1.8 million |
US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. emphasized that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty, but he warned that this case reveals serious corruption within sports. FBI Director Kash Patel described the operation as “extraordinary,” marking a large-scale response to rampant illegal activity.
The NBA has asserted that maintaining the integrity of the game remains its top priority. As these investigations unfold, the basketball community is closely monitoring the implications for Rozier, Billups, and the broader NBA landscape.
