Anshari Taslim
New York, NY – In a developing federal investigation that has sent ripples through the National Basketball Association, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups formally entered a plea of not guilty on Monday to charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. The Hall of Famer’s appearance at a federal courthouse in Brooklyn marked a significant step in a sprawling criminal case that alleges his involvement in illicit gambling activities, specifically rigged poker games with ties to organized crime.
Billups, a revered figure known for his "Mr. Big Shot" moniker during a decorated playing career that included an NBA championship and Finals MVP award, now faces potential maximum sentences of 20 years in prison if convicted on the charges. At the arraignment, the presiding judge set his bail at a substantial $5 million. To secure his release, Billups leveraged his Colorado residence as collateral, with his wife and daughter co-signing the bond, underscoring the gravity of the legal challenge confronting the current NBA coach.
The allegations against Billups paint a picture of sophisticated deception, claiming the Trail Blazers coach enticed high-net-worth individuals into fraudulent poker games. These elaborate setups reportedly utilized advanced rigging techniques, including modified shuffle machines, X-ray tables capable of reading face-down cards, and specialized contact lenses and eyeglasses designed to interpret pre-marked playing cards.
Beyond the alleged poker scheme, Billups’ legal entanglement may extend to the realm of illegal sports betting. While not directly named in the indictment for illegal sports wagering, court documents refer to an individual identified only as "Co-Conspirator 8," whose description aligns closely with Billups’ profile. This individual is purportedly linked to sharing inside information with bettors, a claim Billups’ legal team vehemently denies.
Related News :
- Lakers Seek Road Victory Against Short-Handed Hornets Amidst Eastern Conference Swing
- Elite Matchups Across NBA and College Hoops Highlight Packed Wednesday, November 19th Slate
- Early Season Shocks: Six NBA Teams, Including Lakers and Bucks, Shatter Preseason Projections
- Oklahoma City Thunder’s Historic 15-1 Start Ignites Speculation on Golden State’s 73-Win Benchmark
- Fractured Hip Sidelines Bradley Beal for Entire Season, Delivering Significant Blow to Los Angeles Clippers’ Championship Aspirations
Chris Heywood, Billups’ attorney, has consistently championed his client’s innocence, describing the former NBA star as "a man of integrity" and rejecting the charges outright. "To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall-of-Fame legacy, his reputation, and his freedom," Heywood stated. "He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game." Heywood further emphasized, "Furthermore, Chauncey Billups has never and would never gamble on basketball games, provide insider information, or sacrifice the trust of his team and the League, as it would tarnish the game he has devoted his entire life to."
The NBA responded swiftly to the allegations, suspending Billups indefinitely. In his absence, Tiago Splitter, a former NBA center and current assistant coach, has stepped into the role of interim head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers, currently navigating a challenging Western Conference season, face further instability with their coaching leadership in flux. As of the current standings, the Blazers are struggling to gain traction in a competitive conference, and the absence of their head coach adds another layer of complexity to their pursuit of consistency.
Broader FBI Investigation Engulfs Multiple NBA Figures
Billups is one of 31 defendants ensnared in the extensive FBI investigation into illegal gambling activities, an inquiry that has cast a long shadow over the NBA. The probe has led to the arrests of multiple figures connected to the league, including Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player Damon Jones, highlighting the wide reach of the alleged criminal enterprise. Many other defendants were slated to appear in court on Monday, as the legal system begins to outline the next steps in these interconnected cases.
Damon Jones’ Not Guilty Plea and Alleged Dual Role
Former NBA player Damon Jones previously pleaded not guilty on November 6 to two charges stemming from his alleged involvement in the same gambling scandal. Jones, who played for multiple NBA teams during his career from 1997 to 2009, including stints with the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, was released on a $200,000 bond. His release came with stringent conditions, including prohibitions against any form of gambling and contact with individuals associated with organized crime.
Jones’ alleged involvement is multifaceted, encompassing both the rigged poker games and the illegal sports betting operation. He is accused of having a dual role: first, by allegedly luring other athletes and high-net-worth individuals into the mafia-controlled rigged poker games, for which he purportedly received a cut of the ill-gotten gains as compensation. Second, Jones is accused of providing insider information to a co-conspirator, who then placed wagers on NBA games.
A specific text message cited in the indictment provides a glimpse into the alleged sports betting scheme. On February 9, 2023, Jones allegedly sent a text to a co-conspirator stating, "Get a big bet on Milwaukee before the information is out! [Player 3] is out tonight." Notably, LeBron James, a pivotal player for the Los Angeles Lakers, was indeed sidelined due to injury for the Lakers’ game against the Milwaukee Bucks on that very night. The Bucks ultimately defeated the Lakers 115-106. At the time, the Lakers were fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference, while the Bucks were among the Eastern Conference’s top teams. Jones’ alleged communication underscores the potential impact of insider information on the integrity of professional sports wagering.
Terry Rozier Awaits Arraignment Amidst Allegations of Game Manipulation
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is scheduled to appear in court on December 8 for his arraignment, marking the next phase of his legal battle. Rozier, who spent five seasons with the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Miami Heat in January 2024, was arrested in connection with the sports betting case. The allegations against him center on his involvement in the March 23, 2023, game between his former team, the Charlotte Hornets, and the New Orleans Pelicans.
The indictment alleges that Rozier, then with the Hornets, orchestrated his removal from the game as part of a preplanned maneuver with the gambling ring. He reportedly played just 10 minutes before exiting the contest, citing a foot injury. Following his departure, sportsbooks reportedly received approximately $200,000 in wagers on prop bets related to Rozier’s points, rebounds, and assists for that particular game. Such bets, which focus on individual player performance metrics, are a popular component of the sports betting market. Rozier has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Throughout 2023, as the FBI investigation intensified, Rozier met with both federal agents and NBA officials on multiple occasions, consistently asserting his innocence during the probe. The NBA conducted its own internal investigation into the matter, concluding in January 2025. Despite the ongoing federal charges, the league stated that it did not find sufficient evidence at the time to warrant his suspension or termination from the league.
Rozier, known for his dynamic scoring and playmaking abilities, has been a key contributor for both the Hornets and, more recently, the Heat. During the 2022-23 season, the period relevant to the allegations, he averaged 21.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists for the Charlotte Hornets. His transition to the Heat was intended to bolster their backcourt, and the legal proceedings surrounding him add an unwelcome layer of scrutiny to his continued professional career.
The broad scope of the federal investigation and the involvement of prominent NBA figures like Billups, Rozier, and Jones highlight the significant challenges facing professional sports leagues in safeguarding the integrity of their games against the growing influence of illegal gambling. As the legal processes unfold, the NBA is under pressure to reinforce its policies and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to maintaining the trust of its fans and the sanctity of the sport.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
NBANovember 25, 2025NBA’s Gambling Vortex: Billups Pleads Not Guilty Amidst Broad Federal Probe Involving Rozier, Jones
NBANovember 25, 2025NBA Trade Speculation Intensifies as Clippers Eye DeMar DeRozan, Lakers Face Challenges with Anthony Davis
NBANovember 25, 2025Stephen Curry’s Under Armour Exit Linked to Caitlin Clark Recruitment Miss Amid Broader Strategic Divergence
NBANovember 25, 2025DraftKings Unveils $200 Bonus Bets and NBA League Pass Offer Amidst High-Profile Monday Night Football, NBA, and College Basketball Showdowns
Ali Akbar Rosady
arthur roy sitompul
rifan muazin
alina maya