A sweeping FBI investigation has led to the arrest of 34 individuals, including high-profile NBA figures, in a major illegal gambling and poker rigging scandal. Among those charged are Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. The arrests were announced Thursday during a federal press conference, revealing ties to organized crime families and alleged insider betting. The NBA has responded swiftly, placing the implicated personnel on administrative leave. The scandal casts a shadow over the league just as the 2025–26 season tips off.
“Who” was arrested? NBA figures Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, Damon Jones, and 31 others. “What” happened? A federal crackdown on illegal sports betting and poker rigging schemes. “When”? Arrests were made Thursday, October 23, 2025. “Where”? The operation spanned 11 U.S. states. “Why”? Alleged use of insider NBA information and mafia-backed gambling operations. “How”? FBI-led investigation involving wiretaps, financial records, and surveillance over several years.
Players, Coaches, and Charges
The FBI confirmed the arrest of 34 individuals tied to two overlapping schemes:
- An insider sports betting ring allegedly involving NBA players and coaches.
- A rigged underground poker network backed by organized crime families including the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese syndicates.
Key NBA figures arrested:
- Chauncey Billups (Trail Blazers head coach): Charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering related to poker rigging.
- Terry Rozier (Miami Heat guard): Accused of using insider NBA information to place illegal bets.
- Damon Jones (former Cavaliers assistant): Named in both indictments.
Each defendant faces up to 40 years in prison—20 years for wire fraud conspiracy and 20 for money laundering.
League and Team Reactions
The NBA issued a statement Thursday, saying it is treating the allegations with the “utmost seriousness” and is fully cooperating with federal authorities.
- Terry Rozier was placed on immediate leave by the Miami Heat.
- Chauncey Billups was suspended by the Trail Blazers, who named assistant Tiago Splitter as interim head coach.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the operation’s scope:
“This takedown is the result of years of work targeting corruption that threatens the integrity of professional sports”.
Impact on Teams and Season Outlook
The scandal arrives at a critical time, just days into the NBA’s new season.
- The Trail Blazers face immediate coaching instability, with Billups’ absence disrupting team strategy and leadership.
- The Miami Heat, already managing injuries, now lose a key backcourt contributor in Rozier.
The league’s image also takes a hit, with questions swirling around the effectiveness of its gambling oversight policies.
Legal Proceedings and League Actions
All 34 defendants are expected to appear in federal court over the coming weeks.
The NBA has launched an internal review and may revise its gambling compliance protocols. Additional suspensions or bans could follow pending the outcome of the investigation.
Fans and analysts await further updates as the league navigates one of its most serious integrity crises in recent memory.
