BREAKING: The Portland Trail Blazers are reeling after head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested early Thursday morning in connection with a sprawling poker scheme that allegedly cheated victims out of at least $7 million. The shocking news has sent ripples through the organization as they prepare to take on the Golden State Warriors tonight under interim coach Tiago Splitter.
Billups, 49, was taken into custody at his Lake Oswego home before dawn on October 26, 2023, just hours after the Blazers suffered a defeat in their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Federal law enforcement officials confirmed that Billups is among 31 individuals implicated in various illegal gambling activities, including conspiracy to fix high-stakes card games.
The mood in the Blazers’ locker room has been somber, with players grappling with the unexpected turmoil. Forward Deni Avdija reflected on the situation, stating, “It’s not an easy situation. We’re thinking about him and his family. We really love Chauncey and what he’s done for this organization.”
As the team struggles to adjust, the NBA has placed both Billups and Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat on leave following their arrests. Splitter, who joined the coaching staff in June, addressed the media, saying, “Not great, not great. But we’ve got to move forward; we have a job to do.”
The arrest comes as the Blazers aimed to build on a promising season, bolstered by young stars like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, alongside the return of beloved guard Damian Lillard. Lillard, who is currently recovering from an Achilles injury, received a warm standing ovation at the season opener and has pledged to mentor the team’s emerging talent.
Fan Mitch Weaver expressed disbelief at the news, saying, “I was stunned. Shocked. I think everybody was. We had Dame back. Everything was looking up.”
Billups’ arrest has raised serious concerns about the future of the franchise. The team was recently sold by the estate of late owner Paul Allen to a group led by Tom Dundon, who has committed to keeping the Blazers in Portland.
The implications of the poker scheme are severe, with federal officials indicating that some of those arrested have ties to organized crime. Billups’ prior coaching record includes guiding the Blazers to a 36-46 finish last season, marking the team’s fourth consecutive absence from the playoffs. He was in the midst of a multiyear contract extension signed in April.
As the team prepares for tonight’s game, the focus will be on how they navigate this crisis under Splitter’s leadership. He emphasized the importance of resilience, saying, “We have a great opportunity in front of us to have a good season with this team, and I’m excited about that.”
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Blazers respond to this unprecedented challenge. The urgency of the situation has captivated the basketball community, and updates are expected as the team moves forward amidst the fallout from this alarming incident.
