Former NBA Stars Charged in Major Betting Scheme Involving Mafia

Two high-profile figures from the NBA, former player Chauncey Billups and current Charlotte Hornets player Terry Rozier, have been charged in connection with a federal investigation into illegal sports betting and rigged poker games. Authorities announced the charges on Thursday, revealing that more than 30 individuals are implicated in schemes allegedly backed by organized crime.

According to U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr., Rozier is accused of participating in a sports betting conspiracy that exploited confidential information about NBA players and teams. The investigation is described as one of the most significant corruption scandals in the sport since the legalization of online sports betting in the United States.

In a separate indictment, Billups faces charges connected to a broader scheme involving illegal underground poker games. This operation reportedly involved the use of technology to manipulate results, enabling participants to defraud victims of millions of dollars. Nocella emphasized the serious nature of these allegations during a press conference alongside FBI Director Kash Patel.

The sports betting indictment alleges that players involved altered their performance or deliberately exited games to facilitate betting schemes. For instance, Rozier allegedly informed others that he intended to leave a game early due to a “supposed injury,” allowing conspirators to place advantageous bets. This incident reportedly occurred during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 23, 2023, where Rozier played just over nine minutes before not returning, citing a foot issue.

Rozier’s indictment mentions nine unnamed co-conspirators, including former NBA players and coaches who provided insider information affecting game outcomes in exchange for financial benefits. The allegations suggest a troubling breach of trust and integrity within the sport, raising concerns among fans and officials alike.

Billups, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, has been the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers for five seasons, where he holds a coaching record of 117-212. His career as a player included stints with teams such as the Detroit Pistons and the Toronto Raptors, where he earned recognition as a five-time All-Star and NBA Finals MVP in 2004.

Rozier’s recent arrest took place early Thursday morning in Orlando, Florida. His attorney, Jim Trusty, previously stated that Rozier had been assured there was no wrongdoing following meetings with NBA and FBI officials in 2023. The Hornets have not yet commented on the situation.

The ongoing investigation, spearheaded by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Brooklyn, has parallels to previous high-profile cases, including that of former NBA player Jontay Porter, who faced similar charges related to early withdrawals from games to influence betting outcomes.

As this story continues to unfold, the implications for those involved, as well as the broader NBA community, remain significant. The potential fallout from these charges could reshape perceptions of integrity within professional sports and spark further scrutiny into gambling practices linked to athletic performance.