UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested early Thursday morning in connection with a sprawling alleged poker scheme. This staggering news has left the team grappling with the implications as they prepare to face the Golden State Warriors tonight.
Federal law enforcement officials confirmed that Billups, along with Miami Heat player Terry Rozier, was charged with participating in a conspiracy to fix high-stakes card games. The 49-year-old coach was taken into custody at his Lake Oswego home shortly after the Blazers suffered a disappointing loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their season opener.
The mood in the Blazers’ locker room is somber as players process the gravity of the situation. “It’s not an easy situation. We’re thinking about him and his family,” said forward Deni Avdija. “We really love Chauncey and what he’s done for this organization.”
The NBA has placed both Billups and Rozier on leave. In the wake of this tumultuous incident, assistant coach Tiago Splitter has stepped in as interim head coach. Addressing the media, Splitter acknowledged the challenging circumstances, stating, “Not great, not great. But we’ve got to move forward; we have a job to do.”
Billups’ arrest comes amid heightened expectations for the Blazers this season, particularly with the return of beloved guard Damian Lillard, who was celebrated by fans during the home opener despite not playing due to an Achilles injury. The team was seen as a promising contender, boasting young talents like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.
The implications of Billups’ arrest are severe; authorities report that the poker scheme may have cheated victims out of over $7 million, with Billups being one of 31 individuals arrested, some linked to organized crime. This shocking turn of events has left fans and players alike in disbelief. “We had Dame back. Everything was looking up,” said fan Mitch Weaver, who attended Friday’s game in support of the team.
The Blazers had recently secured new ownership, ensuring the team’s future in Portland, but this latest scandal adds a cloud of uncertainty as they navigate the early season. Billups, who signed a multiyear contract extension in April, now faces serious legal challenges at an incredibly pivotal point in his career.
As the Blazers take the court tonight, the focus will be on Splitter and the team as they attempt to push forward amid the chaos. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how this impacts their performance and the broader implications for the organization.
This story is developing, and more updates will follow as the situation unfolds.
