The NBA was rocked by a betting scandal exposé on Thursday when a head coach and player were arrested as part of a federal investigation into illegal sports betting backed by mafia.
Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Damon Jones were among the 34 persons arrested in connection with this case.
Billups, Basketball Hall of Famer, was arrested in Oregon, a day after the Trail Blazers lost their season opener to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 49-year-old Billups has coached the team since 2021. Rozier did not play in the Heat’s season opener on the road against Orlando Magic because of a hamstring injury. He was taken into custody at his hotel in Orlando.
Here is all you need to know about the case so far:
What are the cases in the investigation?
In the first case, six defendants are accused of participating in an insider sports betting conspiracy that exploited confidential information about NBA athletes and teams, said Joseph Nocella, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
The second case involves 31 defendants in a nationwide scheme to rig illegal poker games. The defendants include former professional athletes accused of using technology to steal millions of dollars in underground poker games in the New York area that were backed by mafia families.
What are the allegations against Billups and Rozier?
Both Billups and Rozier face charges of money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy.
Billups has been charged with participating in a conspiracy to fix high-stakes card games in Las Vegas, Miami, Manhattan and the Hamptons that were backed by La Cosa Nostra Crime families.
Rozier has been accused in a second scheme to concoct fraudulent bets by exploiting confidential information about NBA athletes and teams. Jones is charged with participating in both schemes.
When did Terry Rozier commit the offence?
An investigation into Rozier has been underway since a March 23, 2023. Rozier played for the Charlotte Hornets at that time. A betting company reported unusual betting activities surrounding Rozier, who left after 10 minutes, claiming a foot injury.
The indictment alleges Rozier made it known to associates that he would depart the game early, and more than $200,000 was wagered on him leaving the game midway, with a share of the winnings given to Rozier.
Who has led this investigation?
The investigation has been led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The case was brought by the U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn that previously prosecuted ex-NBA player Jontay Porter for similar offences.
What has the NBA said on the issue?
“We are in the process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today. Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups are being placed on immediate leave from their teams, and we will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the league said.
What will happen to Billups and Rozier after this?
Billups is set to appear in court in Portland and Rozier in Florida. Both will be arraigned in New York at a later date.
(With inputs from AP and Reuters)
Published on Oct 24, 2025
