FBI Probes NBA Organized Crime Links
The investigation revealed two separate cases: one involving a sports gambling ring and another tied to an illegal poker operation
In a shocking development, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested as part of an FBI investigation into illegal sports gambling and poker operations.
The arrests, announced during a press conference on October 23, 2025, have sent shockwaves through the NBA and sports world.
The investigation revealed two separate cases: one involving a sports gambling ring and another tied to an illegal poker operation connected to organized crime families. Rozier was implicated in the sports gambling case, while Billups was linked to the poker operation.
Former Cleveland Cavaliers player and assistant coach Damon Jones was also arrested, being named in both cases.
The NBA has placed both Billups and Rozier on immediate leave as the league cooperates with federal authorities. Portland assistant coach Tiago Splitter will step in as interim head coach for the Trail Blazers.
Meanwhile, the National Basketball Players Association has emphasized the importance of due process, stating that the integrity of the game and the presumption of innocence must be upheld.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining integrity in professional sports, especially as legal and illegal gambling markets continue to grow. The FBI and other authorities have vowed to crack down on illegal activities, ensuring that those involved are held accountable.
As the investigation unfolds, the NBA and its fans are left grappling with the implications of these allegations and their potential impact on the league’s reputation.
Follow the Daily Chela to keep up with the latest.