"Mafia Involved in Multi-Million Dollar Scandal: Current NBA Coach and Player Arrested in Expanding Gambling Fraud Case"

Authorities: "Large-Scale Gambling Case Involving Over 30 Suspects"
Four Major Mafia Organizations in the U.S. Also Implicated

The head coach and a current player in the National Basketball Association (NBA) have been abruptly arrested by federal prosecutors in connection with a sports betting manipulation and gambling fraud case in the United States. The scale of the crime is estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars (hundreds of billions of won), and it is reported that dozens of current and former NBA officials from 11 states are under investigation, which is expected to further escalate the impact of the case.

At the press conference held that day, FBI Director Kathy Patel stated, "A total of 31 people have been arrested in connection with two illegal gambling cases," adding, "Four of the five most notorious mafia organizations in the United States are involved in this case." UPI Yonhap News

On the 24th, Yonhap News, citing a joint investigation announcement by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the New York Police Department (NYPD), reported that Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested that morning in Portland, Oregon, and Orlando, Florida, respectively. At the press conference held that day, FBI Director Kathy Patel stated, "A total of 31 people have been arrested in connection with two illegal gambling cases," adding, "Four of the five most notorious mafia organizations in the United States are involved in this case."

The New York Times and NBC reported that one of the two cases under investigation involves sports betting, while the other is related to rigged poker games. Six individuals, including Terry Rozier, were involved in manipulating bets at sportsbooks using inside information from NBA teams. Among them, three-including former NBA player and coach Damon Jones-and the remaining 28 suspects also participated in gambling fraud. Since 2019, they lured victims, known as "fish," with promises of playing poker with former NBA players and other celebrities in major U.S. cities such as Las Vegas, Miami, and Manhattan. Through these illegal games, they won tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars from each victim.

Over 30 Suspects Involved, Hall of Fame Portland Coach Billups Arrested

Above all, the most shocking figure among the suspects is Chauncey Billups. NBA and basketball fans have expressed deep shock over Billups's arrest. According to investigators, the case involving Billups centers on players luring victims to poker tables and manipulating the games using hidden cameras and special glasses. Prosecutors stated that Billups participated in a game held in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April 2019, during which a victim lost at least $50,000. The Washington Post reported, "Billups appears to be connected to Rozier's sports betting case, but he has not been indicted."

Billups, who was appointed as the head coach of Portland in 2022, played for seven NBA teams over 17 years from 1997 to 2014. He was also nicknamed "Mr. Big Shot" for making decisive shots in crucial moments. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Billups, who was appointed as the head coach of Portland in 2022, played for seven NBA teams over 17 years from 1997 to 2014. He was also nicknamed "Mr. Big Shot" for making decisive shots in crucial moments. During his career, Billups was selected as an NBA All-Star five times and led the Detroit Pistons to victory over the Los Angeles Lakers-featuring legendary players Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant-in 2004. He was named Finals MVP, awarded to the best player on the championship team, and was recently inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame.

It is currently unclear how far the impact of this case will spread. Prosecutors stated that the suspects conspired with players from the Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Toronto Raptors. CNN reported, "This case will deliver a tremendous shock to the NBA," adding, "Above all, the fact that this case was abruptly revealed just two days after the start of the 2025-2026 season on October 21 is causing a major shock to basketball fans around the world."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.