Former NBA Stars Charged in Major Illegal Betting Scheme

A significant federal investigation has led to the indictment of several individuals, including former NBA players, for their involvement in illegal sports betting and rigged poker games. Among those charged are Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Terry Rozier, a current player for the Charlotte Hornets. Authorities announced the charges on Thursday, revealing the extensive nature of the schemes linked to organized crime.

The indictments stem from two separate investigations, one focusing on a conspiracy to exploit insider information related to NBA games and another concerning illegal poker games backed by Mafia families. According to U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr., this represents “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online sports betting became widely legalized in the United States.”

In the sports betting case, Rozier is accused of participating in a scheme that involved using confidential information about NBA athletes to influence betting outcomes. Specifically, while playing for the Hornets, Rozier allegedly informed associates that he would leave a game early due to a “supposed injury,” allowing others to place bets that profited significantly from his early exit. The indictment includes nine unnamed co-conspirators, among them other former NBA players and individuals linked to organized crime.

The poker scheme involves 31 defendants across the country, accused of rigging underground games using technology to siphon off millions of dollars from unwitting players. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that players in these games sometimes manipulated their performance to ensure favorable betting conditions.

Billups, known for his illustrious career, including winning the NBA Finals MVP in 2004, is charged in a separate indictment related to the poker scheme. He has been the head coach of the Trail Blazers for five seasons and had a notable playing career that included stints with several teams, including the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks. His current coaching record stands at 117-212.

The investigation also touches on previous cases, including those of former players like Jontay Porter, who faced similar allegations. The U.S. attorney’s office emphasized that these cases highlight a growing concern over the integrity of sports betting as it becomes increasingly mainstream.

Rozier was taken into custody in Orlando, Florida, early Thursday morning, shortly after the season opener for both teams. His team has not yet commented on the situation. Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, previously stated that Rozier was assured he had done nothing wrong following a meeting with NBA and FBI officials in 2023.

The investigation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by sports authorities as they navigate the intersection of gambling and professional athletics. As online betting becomes more normalized, ensuring fair play and protecting the integrity of sports remains a pressing concern for regulators and fans alike.