Chauncey Billups, coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Terry Rozier, guard of the Miami Heat, were arrested along with 30 people in an operation that dismantled two illegal betting rings linked to mafia families.
Authorities accuse them of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, as well as money laundering.
Billups allegedly participated in rigged poker games that defrauded players of more than seven million dollars, while Rozier was accused of using private NBA information to obtain profits in sports betting.
“His winning streak is over. His luck has run out,” said Prosecutor Joseph Nocella, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
For its part, the FBI reported that the plot involved advanced cheating technology and the support of the Gambino, Genovese and Bonnano families, who obtained part of the profits.
Rigged bets
According to this accusation, Rozier would have reported false injuries to manipulate bets.
In 2023, while playing with the Charlotte Hornets, he reportedly informed those close to him that he would leave early from a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, which allowed improper profits.
Both defendants were released after appearing in court. The NBA suspended them and stated that “the integrity of our sport remains our top priority.”
Billups’ attorney denied the charges and said his client “would not put his legacy or his freedom at risk over a game of cards.”— AP
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