Overview
- Federal prosecutors charged Chauncey Billups with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering tied to technology‑rigged, mafia‑run high‑stakes poker games dating to at least 2019.
- The NBA placed Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier on immediate leave as it reviews the indictments and emphasizes game integrity.
- Portland elevated first‑year assistant Tiago Splitter to interim head coach over considered candidate Nate Bjorkgren; Splitter becomes the first Brazilian‑born head coach in NBA history.
- Splitter said the locker room mood was “not great” but stated “I am ready,” adding he cannot have contact with Billups during the process.
- The Trail Blazers canceled Thursday’s practice and media availability, and Billups was expected to make an initial court appearance in Portland.