NBA Scandal: Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier Arrested for Sports Fraud
Santo Domingo, RD. – An earthquake shakes the basketball world. Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier have been arrested this Thursday in connection with federal investigations into illegal sports betting and rigged poker games. U.S. authorities have confirmed the arrests, which are part of an extensive FBI operation spanning 11 states and more than a year of investigation. So far, 34 people have been arrested, with tens of millions of dollars involved in the corruption scheme.According to the accusation, Rozier would have used privileged information from the NBA to facilitate bets in favor of an organized crime network, receiving payments and percentages of profits in return. The player was arrested in a hotel in Orlando, Florida, after a game in which he did not participate due to a technical decision. On the other hand, Billups faces charges for organizing and manipulating clandestine poker games in Oregon and New York, allegedly with the support of mafia families. Authorities indicate that the accused used advanced technology to defraud the victims of millions of dollars in losses.FBI Director Kash Patel called the case one of the largest sports fraud schemes in the modern era of online betting.
Kash Patel, FBI Director
Among those arrested is also Damon Jones, former player and former assistant of the Cleveland Cavaliers, accused of providing inside information about NBA games to others involved. This case evokes the scandal that led to the expulsion of Jontay Porter, former player of the Toronto Raptors, in 2024, after admitting to manipulating his performance to benefit sports betting. The NBA, through its commissioner Adam Silver, has stated that it is collaborating with betting houses to strengthen controls and prevent manipulation in player betting markets.One of the most blatant sports corruption schemes since the legalization of online gambling in the United States.
Joseph Nocella Jr., Federal Prosecutor for the Eastern District of New York
Both Billups and Rozier will have to appear before federal courts in Oregon and Florida, respectively, in the coming hours.We are learning as we go and adjusting the controls to protect the integrity of the game.
Adam Silver, NBA commissioner
