Chauncey Billups, the Portland Trail Blazers head coach and NBA Hall of Famer, has been indicted by U.S. authorities for his alleged role in a high-stakes, mafia-backed, rigged poker scheme. According to a 22-page Department of Justice (DOJ) indictment, Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones acted as “face cards” to entice wealthy players into underground games that used advanced technology to cheat participants. Prosecutors say the operation, tied to the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families, duped victims out of at least $7 million. Billups’ attorney strongly denies the allegations, calling them “baseless.” Meanwhile, the Blazers have placed Billups on leave; assistant coach Tiago Splitter will step in as interim.
What the DOJ Charges Say
According to the DOJ’s announcement, 31 individuals—including organized crime figures and former NBA players—were charged in connection with a sprawling scheme to rig illegal poker games. The indictment alleges that Billups and Jones were used as “face cards” — celebrity players whose presence lured high-roller “fish” into games. These games reportedly used sophisticated cheating technology: modified shufflers that read cards, X-ray poker tables, hidden cameras in chip trays, and specially designed contact lenses or glasses to read marked cards.
Prosecutors say that card-order information was transmitted wirelessly to off-site members of the scheme, who relayed it to a “quarterback” at the table, who then used hand signals to share the winning cards with co-conspirators. When victims refused to pay after losing, the indictment alleges, the defendants used intimidation, threats, and violence—tactics associated with organized crime.
Reactions & Legal Pushback
Billups’ lawyer, Chris Heywood, issued a firm denial: “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.”
From law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. described it as a “highly sophisticated and lucrative fraud scheme.” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch added that, when people were cheated, organized crime’s response was “threats, intimidation, and violence.” FBI Director Kash Patel praised the investigation as spanning nine states and involving multiple agencies, underlining the breadth of the operation.
Impact on the Trail Blazers & NBA
Billups’ arrest comes as a major shock to the NBA community. His coaching role with the Blazers is now in limbo, with assistant Tiago Splitter taking over on an interim basis. The scandal could cast a long shadow over the Blazers’ season — not just in terms of leadership but also reputation. Fans, sponsors, and the league may demand accountability and transparency.
Moreover, the high-profile nature of the arrests may increase scrutiny on private poker games involving celebrities, and the potential intersection of professional sports and organized crime.
What’s Next
Billups has been arraigned in Portland on charges of money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy, according to the DOJ. He has been released; his legal team says they will vigorously defend him.
Several other defendants—including members and associates of the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families—are expected to appear in court. Investigators may continue to unearth new details, and follow-up indictments cannot be ruled out as the case develops.
