Major scandal NBA : A player and a coach are arrested by the FBI
Photo credit: NBC Sports
A major scandal has hit the NBA. Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested Thursday morning as part of a sweeping federal investigation into illegal gambling operations allegedly tied to organized crime.
According to ABC News and CBS, federal authorities believe Billups was involved in underground betting activities connected to mafia-linked gambling rings.
The FBI confirmed that he will appear in court later today in Oregon. A press conference led by FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled for 10 a.m. in New York to provide further details.
Billups, 49, is a respected figure in professional basketball.
The former Detroit Pistons star led the team to an NBA championship in 2004 and was named Finals MVP after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been head coach of the Trail Blazers since 2021.
FBI links Billups and Rozier to illegal betting schemes
In a related case, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, 31, was also arrested Thursday, according to multiple U.S. outlets.
Rozier, who previously played for the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets, is suspected of participating in a connected illegal sports betting network.
The player did not appear in Miami's season opener on Wednesday night - a detail that now raises questions about his absence.
Sources told ABC News that both investigations are part of a broader federal crackdown on unregulated betting rings involving athletes and insiders using confidential game information to place high-stakes wagers.
This incident echoes previous controversies that have shaken the league. In 2024, former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was banned for life from the NBA after being caught influencing bets and leaking inside information.
The NBA has yet to issue an official statement, but both Billups and Rozier are expected to face immediate suspensions pending the outcome of the investigation.
The scandal comes at the worst possible time, casting a shadow over the start of the new season and reigniting debate about gambling's growing presence in professional sports.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 23 | 7 ANSWERS Major scandal NBA : A player and a coach are arrested by the FBI Should the NBA ban Chauncey Billups if he's found guilty? | ||
| Yes, permanently | 3 | 42.9 % |
| Yes, temporarily | 2 | 28.6 % |
| No, too harsh | 0 | 0 % |
| Wait for proof | 2 | 28.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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