^{Photo: The New York Times}

Federal Gambling Scandal Rocks the NBA

In one of the most explosive scandals to hit professional basketball in decades, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested Thursday on federal charges linked to two sprawling gambling investigations in Brooklyn, New York.

According to federal prosecutors, the probes uncovered two overlapping criminal operations — one involving high-tech poker fraud tied to organized crime, and another centered on illicit sports betting fueled by leaked NBA insider information.

Former NBA player Damon Jones was also arrested for his alleged role in both schemes, which authorities claim generated millions in illegal profits and compromised the integrity of the sport.

The NBA confirmed that both Billups and Rozier have been placed on immediate leave pending investigation, stating, “We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness. The integrity of our game remains our top priority.”

Inside the Poker-Rigging Scheme

Prosecutors allege that Chauncey Billups, 49, was part of a nationwide poker conspiracy involving 31 defendants, including several suspected members of the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella revealed that the operation relied on “cutting-edge cheating technology” — such as tampered shuffling machines, poker chip tray analyzers, and even x-ray tables capable of revealing hidden cards. The alleged scheme, active since 2019, defrauded players out of at least $7.15 million, according to court filings.

Players were equipped with special contact lenses and “marked cards” to gain an advantage, while off-site operators monitored games in real time through concealed devices.

Billups, a former NBA Finals MVP and Hall of Famer, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. He was arrested at his home in Portland and later released under bond pending his Brooklyn court appearance.

His attorney, Chris Heywood, strongly denied the allegations, stating, “Anyone who knows Chauncey understands he is a man of integrity. He would never jeopardize his reputation, legacy, or freedom for money — especially not over a poker game.”

Terry Rozier and the Insider Betting Scandal

Meanwhile, Terry Rozier, 31, faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering over his alleged involvement in an insider sports betting operation.

Federal investigators claim Rozier shared confidential information with a close friend, Deniro Laster, about his intention to leave a March 23, 2023, game early due to a “planned injury.” Using this tip, Laster and others reportedly placed over $200,000 in “under” bets predicting Rozier’s underperformance.

According to court documents, Rozier exited the game after nine minutes of play, leading to tens of thousands of dollars in profits. Laster allegedly drove overnight to Rozier’s home, where they “counted the winnings together.”

Rozier was arrested in Orlando, Florida, and released on a bond secured by his $6 million home. His attorney, Jim Trusty, dismissed the charges, claiming prosecutors were “relying on spectacularly unreliable sources rather than hard evidence.”

“Terry is not a gambler, and he looks forward to clearing his name,” Trusty said.

Damon Jones and the Leaked Lakers Intel

Former NBA player Damon Jones, whose career spanned from 1998 to 2009, is accused of leaking confidential medical information about Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis to bettors in 2023 and 2024.

Prosecutors allege that Jones, serving as an “unofficial coaching consultant,” provided betting syndicates with early access to team injury reports and player availability. Those leaks allegedly allowed certain gamblers to place highly profitable wagers before sportsbooks adjusted their odds.

FBI Assistant Director Christopher Raia described the pattern as “a coordinated effort to exploit inside information and corrupt professional sports for personal gain.”

The NBA’s Integrity Crisis

This isn’t the first time the league has faced gambling-related controversy. Earlier in 2024, former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for his role in a similar sports betting scandal.

The latest arrests have reignited concerns about the rapid legalization and accessibility of sports betting and how it’s blurring lines between athletes, teams, and gambling operations.

FanDuel, one of the NBA’s official betting partners, issued a statement saying, “Today’s events are deeply disturbing and should concern everyone who values integrity and fair play. The contrast between legal, regulated betting and the criminal black market could not be clearer.”

The company emphasized its use of real-time monitoring and data analysis tools to flag suspicious activity, urging continued collaboration between leagues and regulators.

Fallout and What Comes Next

Both Billups and Rozier face potential federal prison sentences of up to 20 years if convicted on all charges. Legal analysts say prosecutors are likely to pursue plea deals given the complexity of the cases and the overlapping criminal networks involved.

For the NBA, the timing is devastating. The arrests come as the league continues its multibillion-dollar partnerships with betting companies and faces mounting pressure to prove its ability to safeguard against insider manipulation.

As the investigations unfold, the league’s reputation—and its relationship with legalized sports betting—faces one of its toughest tests yet.

This scandal serves as a stark reminder: even in the era of billion-dollar endorsements and regulated wagering, the temptation of easy money can still bring down some of basketball’s biggest names.