In a landmark operation, the FBI has arrested dozens in a widespread investigation into illegal sports betting and mafia-associated poker games. High-profile NBA player Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups are among those implicated in separate indictments announced by federal prosecutors.
Terry Rozier, aged 31, is part of a group of six arrested for alleged betting irregularities, including claims that NBA players may have pretended to be injured to sway gambling markets. Billups, who has been coaching since 2021 and is a Hall of Famer, faces charges as part of a scheme involving rigged poker games linked to organized crime.
The poker case, intricately involving four of New York's five major crime families, allegedly involved sophisticated cheating strategies, including the use of technology like pre-marked cards and specialized glasses. Prosecutors highlight that victims were lured into these games alongside sports personalities and subjected to significant monetary losses.
The NBA has responded, placing Rozier and Billups on leave while investigating the serious allegations, asserting they prioritize the integrity of the game. Rozier's lawyer firmly denies the accusations, anticipating a strong legal defense protecting his client.
FBI Director Kash Patel characterized the arrests as extraordinary and emphasized the ongoing threat of sports corruption, with dollar amounts in fraud and theft running into tens of millions over multiple years. The investigation covers allegations of misconduct in at least seven NBA games involving Rozier, who is reported to have informed a friend of a planned early exit from one such match, leading to significant betting profits for those involved.
The challenges posed by illegal gambling in sports are growing. The 2018 Supreme Court ruling that legalized sports betting has given rise to numerous deals between leagues and gambling companies, yet incidents like this case spotlight the darker side of the burgeoning industry.
Both Rozier and Billups now face significant reputational and legal challenges as they navigate the repercussions of this shocking investigation.
