Former NBA Stars Arrested in Mafia-Linked Sports Betting and Poker Scandal
Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former Miami Heat player Terry Rozier, along with more than 30 others, have been arrested in connection with two criminal schemes involving rigged sports bets and poker games linked to organized crime.
Billups, who played for the Toronto Raptors in the 1998-1999 season, is accused of participating in a conspiracy to fix high-stakes poker games across several U.S. cities. The operation allegedly used advanced cheating methods, including hidden cameras, altered card machines, and other devices to cheat participants.
Rozier faces charges for manipulating NBA prop bets, including allegedly leaving games early to benefit gamblers who exploited inside information. Former NBA assistant coach Damon Jones was also arrested for involvement in both schemes.
Both men face money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges and were placed on leave by the NBA while authorities continue the investigation. Prosecutors describe the fraud as involving tens of millions of dollars and say Mafia families enforced debt repayment through threats and violence.
The arrests highlight risks in the growing sports-betting industry and mark one of the largest sports corruption cases in recent years, raising concerns over player integrity and oversight in professional basketball.
