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Three NBA figures — Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones — have been arrested in connection with two major illegal gambling investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced.
According to prosecutors, Jones, a former NBA player, is among three defendants implicated in both overlapping cases.
In the first case, six defendants — including Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier — are accused of using insider information to place illegal bets.
BBC reports that authorities further allege that in some instances, players deliberately altered their on-court performances to influence outcomes and manipulate wagers.
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The second case involves 31 defendants, among them Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, accused of running rigged underground poker games linked to organized crime families.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the investigation as uncovering “mind-boggling” levels of fraud, involving tens of millions of dollars over several years.
Following the revelations, the NBA confirmed that both Billups and Rozier have been placed on immediate administrative leave. Rozier’s lawyer said the player “looks forward to clearing his name and winning this fight.”
Officials shared full details of the charges during a news conference earlier today, signaling one of the most significant gambling scandals to hit professional basketball in recent years.
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