Authorities have charged NBA coach Chauncey Billups and player Terry Rozier in connection with a significant illegal betting scheme. Announced on Thursday, the indictments involve over 30 individuals linked to unauthorized sports betting and rigged poker games allegedly supported by organized crime.
According to U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr., these cases mark one of the most extensive corruption schemes in sports betting since the practice was legalized in the United States. The first case highlights six defendants, including Rozier, accused of exploiting confidential NBA information to influence betting outcomes. The second case involves 31 defendants implicated in a nationwide operation to rig underground poker games.
In the sports betting scheme, players reportedly altered their performance or exited games early to enhance betting profits. For instance, Rozier, while with the Charlotte Hornets, informed others he would leave a game early due to a “supposed injury.” This allowed conspirators to place wagers that generated substantial returns, as confirmed by New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The indictments outline that Rozier and others had access to private information that could affect game outcomes. This information was allegedly shared with co-conspirators for financial gain, either through flat fees or a share of betting profits. The indictment also mentions nine unnamed co-conspirators, including former NBA players from Florida and Oregon and a relative of Rozier.
Rozier was arrested in Orlando, Florida, early Thursday morning, shortly after his team played their season opener. The Hornets did not provide immediate comments on his arrest. Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, previously stated that an investigation in 2023 suggested Rozier had not engaged in any wrongdoing after meetings with NBA and FBI officials.
The U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn, which previously prosecuted former NBA player Jontay Porter, is leading this case. Porter faced charges for withdrawing from games early, claiming illness, allowing others to profit from betting against his performance.
Billups, a five-time All-Star and Hall of Fame inductee, is in his fifth season as coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, where he has a record of 117-212. He led the Detroit Pistons to an NBA championship in 2004 and was named Finals MVP. His involvement in this scandal has raised eyebrows across the league.
The allegations against both Billups and Rozier highlight a troubling trend in professional sports, where the intersection of gambling and athletics poses significant ethical challenges. As the investigation unfolds, the NBA and its stakeholders will likely face intense scrutiny regarding the integrity of the game.
In a notable game on March 23, 2023, Rozier played for just over nine minutes before exiting due to a foot issue, raising suspicions among bettors regarding the legitimacy of his performance. This incident, along with others, has sparked outrage among fans and bettors who felt misled.
As this case develops, the broader implications for the NBA and its players regarding gambling practices will be closely monitored by both fans and regulators. The unfolding drama underscores the critical need for transparency and integrity in professional sports.
