Rozier and Billups Arrested in Massive Sports Gambling Investigation

Dozens of people, including NBA player Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, were arrested on Thursday in a major FBI investigation into illegal sports betting and alleged rigged poker games linked to organized crime. Both Rozier and Billups deny the allegations.

Terry Rozier, 31, is accused alongside five others of manipulating bets on NBA games. Prosecutors claim some players faked injuries to influence gambling markets. Rozier allegedly left a game early due to a supposed foot injury, allowing associates to profit from bets exceeding $200,000. Rozier’s lawyer has denied any wrongdoing.

Chauncey Billups, a former NBA star and current Trail Blazers coach, is one of 31 people charged in a separate case involving illegal poker games. The scheme allegedly involved New York mafia families using high-tech methods to rig games, including contact lenses, special glasses, and an X-ray table to read cards. Victims reportedly lost millions.

The NBA stated that both Rozier and Billups are on immediate leave while the league reviews federal indictments. A spokesperson emphasized the league’s commitment to integrity. Rozier was released on bail after using his Florida home as collateral, while Billups is expected to post a substantial bond following his arraignment in Portland.

Seven NBA games between February 2023 and March 2024 are under scrutiny. Rozier allegedly influenced a game between the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans. According to prosecutors, Rozier scored five points before leaving after nine minutes. Before this game, he averaged 21 points per game. The alleged scheme highlights concerns over sports gambling integrity.

The second indictment involves 31 defendants accused of rigging poker games with retired athletes. Prosecutors allege 13 members of major New York crime families participated. Victims were lured into high-stakes games in Las Vegas, Miami, Manhattan, and the Hamptons and were cheated out of millions. Threats and intimidation were reportedly used to enforce payment.

Rozier’s lawyer emphasized that the case lacks credible evidence and criticized the use of unreliable sources. Billups’ attorney also rejected the accusations, vowing to fight the charges. FBI officials described the arrests as a coordinated operation across 11 states targeting tens of millions in fraud and theft.

Sports betting became legal across the U.S. in 2018 following a Supreme Court decision. The industry has since grown rapidly, involving major leagues and media deals. Authorities describe the Rozier case as one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since the legalization of online betting.

Defendants face charges including robbery, extortion, wire fraud, bank fraud, and illegal gambling. The alleged poker scheme cheated victims out of $7 million, with one individual losing $1.8 million. FBI officials warned that this is only the “tip of the iceberg” and pledged continued efforts to curb mafia involvement in illegal gambling.