BREAKING: Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has been arrested in connection with a federal investigation into a sprawling alleged poker scheme. The shocking news broke just hours after the Blazers lost their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 26, 2023.
Billups, along with Miami Heat player Terry Rozier, faces serious charges for his involvement in a conspiracy to fix high-stakes card games. According to federal law enforcement, this illicit activity has reportedly cheated victims out of $7 million. Billups was taken into custody early Thursday morning at his home in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
The atmosphere in the Blazers’ locker room was notably somber before Friday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors, with players visibly shaken by the events. Forward Deni Avdija expressed concern for Billups and his family, stating, “We really love Chauncey and what he’s done for this organization. I don’t know the details, and I don’t really want to get into that. I’m trying to focus on the game.”
In response to the arrest, the NBA has placed both Billups and Rozier on administrative leave. The Blazers have appointed Tiago Splitter, an assistant coach and former NBA player, as interim head coach. Speaking to reporters, Splitter acknowledged the team’s struggle, saying, “Not great, not great. But like I said, we’ve got to move forward; we’ve got a job to do.”
Splitter, 40, joined the Blazers staff in June and previously played seven seasons in the NBA. He emphasized the potential for a successful season despite the turmoil, adding, “We have a great opportunity in front of us to have a good season with this team and I’m excited about that.”
This arrest casts a shadow over what should have been an exciting season for the Blazers, who have been building a promising roster. The team features emerging stars like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, alongside beloved guard Damian Lillard. Although Lillard is sidelined with an Achilles injury, he was celebrated with a standing ovation during the season opener.
Fan Mitch Weaver, attending the game against the Warriors, expressed disbelief at the news, stating, “We had Dame back. Everything was looking up.” This sentiment reflects the team’s recent struggles, as Billups had led them to a 36-46 record last season, marking their fourth consecutive year missing the playoffs.
The shocking nature of Billups’ arrest links him to a larger investigation involving organized crime, with reports indicating that up to 31 individuals were arrested in relation to the poker scheme, which allegedly included members of three Mafia families.
Billups, who signed a multiyear contract extension in April 2023, was entering his fifth season as the Trail Blazers’ head coach. A celebrated player with a storied career, Billups was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in October 2024, known for leading the Detroit Pistons to an NBA championship in 2004 and earning finals MVP honors.
The Blazers’ upcoming games will be crucial as they navigate this unexpected crisis. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts under Splitter’s leadership and what implications this scandal will have for the franchise moving forward.
As the situation develops, more updates are expected. The Blazers, now in a state of uncertainty, are eagerly looking to put their focus back on the court and their season objectives.
