Authorities have charged former NBA players Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier in connection with a significant illegal betting scheme. More than 30 individuals are implicated in various activities involving unlawful sports betting and rigged poker games allegedly backed by organized crime, according to a news conference held by U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. and FBI Director Kash Patel.
The indictments reveal two distinct cases: one focused on insider sports betting and another concerning underground poker games. Nocella described the sports betting conspiracy as “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online sports betting became widely legalized in the United States.” Rozier faces accusations of exploiting confidential information about NBA teams and players to engage in illegal sports betting, while Billups is linked to a separate indictment that involves rigged poker games.
Details of the sports betting case highlight how players allegedly manipulated their performances. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted that Rozier, during his time with the Charlotte Hornets, informed others he intended to leave a game early due to an injury. This decision allowed some individuals to place bets that resulted in significant financial gains. The indictment also identifies nine unnamed co-conspirators, including former NBA players and coaches, who shared insider information in exchange for financial rewards.
The case, spearheaded by the U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn, mirrors earlier prosecutions, such as that of former NBA player Jontay Porter, who faced charges for withdrawing from games under false pretenses to benefit those betting on his performance.
Chauncey Billups, now the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. He was a key player in leading the Detroit Pistons to their 2004 NBA Championship victory, earning the title of NBA Finals MVP. At 49 years old, Billups has a coaching record of 117 wins and 212 losses in his current role.
Rozier, who was recently taken into custody in Orlando, Florida, played in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 23, 2023, where he logged limited minutes. He failed to return to play after the first quarter due to a foot issue, a decision that raised eyebrows among bettors who suspected foul play regarding prop bets associated with his performance.
In the wake of these indictments, the NBA has been scrutinizing the integrity of its games amid rising concerns about gambling practices. Some bettors expressed frustration on social media regarding Rozier’s early exit from the March game, suggesting that something suspicious transpired.
As investigations unfold, the implications of these charges extend beyond the individuals involved, potentially affecting the broader landscape of professional sports and gambling regulations. The legal proceedings are set to shed light on the extent of corruption within the industry and the measures needed to safeguard its integrity.
The situation continues to develop, and further updates are expected as the U.S. attorney’s office pursues the case against Rozier, Billups, and their co-defendants. The NBA has not yet released a statement regarding the arrests, and Rozier’s legal representation has been contacted for comments on the allegations.
