Federal authorities have charged NBA coach Chauncey Billups and former player Terry Rozier as part of a wide-ranging illegal sports betting and rigged poker games investigation. More than 30 individuals are implicated in these schemes, which involve connections to organized crime, according to a statement made on Thursday by U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. during a press conference alongside FBI Director Kash Patel.
The indictments stem from two significant cases. The first involves a conspiracy to exploit confidential NBA information for illegal sports betting. Nocella described it as “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online sports betting became widely legalized in the United States.” In this case, six defendants, including Rozier, are accused of manipulating game outcomes based on insider knowledge, leading to substantial financial gains from betting.
In the second case, authorities have charged 31 individuals, including former professional athletes, in a scheme to rig underground poker games supported by Mafia families. These poker games reportedly used technology to siphon millions from unsuspecting victims, particularly in the New York area.
Rozier allegedly participated in a sports betting scheme where he used private NBA information to influence betting odds. For instance, during a game while playing for the Charlotte Hornets on March 23, 2023, Rozier reportedly informed others that he intended to leave the game early due to a “supposed injury.” This allowed his co-conspirators to place bets that resulted in significant winnings, as he did not return to play after the first quarter.
The indictment details nine unnamed co-conspirators, including a Florida resident who is also an NBA player and an Oregon resident who played in the league from 1997 to 2014. These individuals allegedly had access to confidential information that could impact game outcomes and shared this knowledge for a fee or a share of the betting profits.
Rozier was arrested early Thursday morning in Orlando, Florida, following the season opener for both teams. The Hornets did not immediately comment on his arrest, and a message was left with his attorney, Jim Trusty. Trusty previously mentioned that Rozier was informed during an initial investigation that he had not acted improperly after meeting with NBA and FBI officials in 2023.
Billups, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame last year, now faces serious allegations that could tarnish his legacy. The five-time All-Star led the Detroit Pistons to an NBA title in 2004 as Finals MVP. He was drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in 1997 and has also played for teams including the Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Clippers. Currently in his fifth season as coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, Billups has compiled a coaching record of 117 wins against 212 losses.
The implications of these charges extend beyond the individuals involved. The case reflects growing concerns over the integrity of professional sports, especially as gambling becomes increasingly prevalent. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide further details regarding the extent of these operations and their impact on the NBA.
The U.S. Attorney’s office in Brooklyn, which is handling these indictments, previously prosecuted former NBA player Jontay Porter for similar offenses related to game manipulation. As the investigation unfolds, the basketball community remains on high alert regarding the potential ramifications for athletes and coaching staff alike.
