Several NBA players were arrested on suspicion of being involved in illegal betting and fraudulent poker games. The FBI investigation, which lasted years, reveals the existence of links to the Cosa Nostra.
Among those detained is Miami Heat player Terry Rozier, detained as part of the investigation into manipulated bets. According to authorities, Rozier even simulated injuries to influence the betting market, benefiting his accomplices.
The coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, Chauney Billups, was also arrested, but for his alleged involvement in illegal poker gambling schemes. Billups and his companions lured people into playing with various NBA players and robbing them. According to the FBI, they operated using contact lenses with a system that allowed them to see their opponents’ cards. With the exception of the victims, all other participants – from the dealer to the players – were involved in the maneuver to rob them.
Damon Jones, player of NBA entre 1998 e 2009, He was also arrested, being a suspect in both cases.
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed at a press conference that the cases involve four of the five largest families linked to crime in New York, including Cosa Nostra. Patel described the arrests as “extraordinary” and explained that the investigation involved a joint team from eleven states. “We are talking about tens of millions in fraud and theft, in an investigation that lasted several years,” he added.
The NBA has already guaranteed that the allegations are being taken seriously, with the professionals in question being “immediately removed while the federal charges are analyzed”.
Rozier denied the allegations and after appearing in court in Orlando he was released on bail. According to the BBCthe player used his house, valued at six million dollars, as collateral. Billups also claims to be innocent and must pay substantial bail to be free.
Text written by Margarida Nogueira and edited by Mafalda Ganhão
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