NBA’S Rozier and Trail Blazers Coach Billups charged in illegal betting and mafia-rigged poker schemes

Authorities have charged Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups along with more than 30 others in two sweeping criminal cases involving illegal sports betting and rigged poker games linked to organized crime.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. announced the indictments, calling them “one of the most brazen sports corruption cases since the legalization of online sports betting.” Both Rozier and Billups face money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges and were expected to appear in court Thursday.

Prosecutors allege Rozier participated in an illegal betting ring that exploited confidential information about NBA players and team activities. The indictment claims Rozier and others had access to private player data and shared it with co-conspirators who placed high-value bets in exchange for payment or a share of winnings.

According to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, players were sometimes encouraged to alter their play or leave games early. In one case, Rozier allegedly informed associates he would exit a game due to a “fake injury,” allowing them to profit from betting lines that anticipated his reduced performance.

Investigators cited a March 23, 2023 game between the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans as suspicious — Rozier played only the first quarter before sitting out the rest of the season. Bettors later flooded social media with claims of irregular wagers on that game.

In a separate indictment, Billups is accused of participating in a nationwide underground poker operation that used technology to manipulate game outcomes. Prosecutors said the poker ring was backed by Mafia crime families and involved former athletes who siphoned millions from rigged games across New York and other states.

“This is a warning to those who think they’re untouchable,” Nocella said. “Your winning streak is over.”

The FBI confirmed that 34 individuals were arrested as part of the investigation, which builds on previous cases involving NBA insiders, including the prosecution of former Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter, who admitted to similar betting-related misconduct earlier this year.

Rozier, who was taken into custody in Orlando, Florida, did not play in the Heat’s season opener but had been on the bench. Billups, inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024, continues to serve as Portland’s head coach, though his future with the team remains uncertain.

Officials said the indictments reflect a growing concern that sports gambling and organized crime are again converging, threatening the integrity of professional sports.