Overview
- Officials say a years-long, multi-state operation uncovered two schemes—Mafia-linked poker fraud using high‑tech cheating and insider betting tied to seven NBA games between March 2023 and March 2024—with losses in the tens of millions.
- Portland coach Chauncey Billups is accused of helping lure victims to manipulated high‑stakes poker games involving organized crime and was arrested in Oregon before being suspended by the league.
- Miami’s Terry Rozier is accused of providing confidential team information and influencing availability connected to wagers, including a March 23, 2023 Hornets game; his attorney denies wrongdoing.
- Both men were arraigned and released under bail conditions requiring passport surrender and restricted travel, with Billups due in New York on November 24 and Rozier on December 8.
- The NBA placed both on leave and pledged cooperation with authorities, Commissioner Adam Silver called the case deeply disturbing and apologized to fans, and former player Damon Jones was also charged as the probe continues.