The 2025-26 NBA season has begun, but excitement quickly turned to shock as several arrests linked to an alleged illegal gambling operation surfaced. On October 23, 2025, reports confirmed that Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, was among those arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). His arrest was part of a broader investigation into illegal gambling activities, which also involved Terry Rozier, point guard for the Miami Heat.
According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Billups’ arrest is related to an illegal poker operation with ties to organized crime. Billups, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024, has been in his fifth season as head coach, carrying a record of 117 wins and 212 losses. The Trail Blazers began their season with a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, falling 118-114. Rozier did not participate in the Heat’s opening game against the Orlando Magic due to a coach’s decision.
The news of these arrests has overshadowed notable performances from other players, including Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, who scored 40 points in a win over the Dallas Mavericks, and VJ Edgecombe, a rookie shooting guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, who made a remarkable debut with 34 points against the Boston Celtics. Instead of celebrating these achievements, the league faces a serious crisis as the implications of the gambling investigation unfold.
While the details surrounding the charges against Billups and Rozier are still emerging, the NBA is likely to respond firmly if the allegations are substantiated. The league has previously taken a hard stance on gambling violations, as seen in April 2024 when it banned player Jontay Porter for life after he violated gambling rules. Following federal felony charges, Porter pleaded guilty in May 2024.
Further complicating matters, Charania reported that Rozier’s arrest is connected to the ongoing Porter investigation. The Eastern District of New York and FBI Director Kash Patel are scheduled to hold a news conference at 10:00 a.m. ET to provide additional information about the arrests, garnering attention from the entire NBA community.
As the investigation continues, the league and its fans remain on edge, anxiously awaiting developments while trying to focus on the basketball season. The shocking turn of events serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges facing professional sports amid ongoing discussions about gambling regulations.
