The FBI arrested Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player Damon Jones on Thursday as part of investigations into illegal sports betting and rigged poker games. The probe, ongoing since early 2025, involves providing inside information to manipulate bets and mafia-linked poker schemes. Both the NBA and NBPA have responded by placing the individuals on leave and emphasizing due process.
The arrests mark a significant escalation in the NBA's gambling investigations, which began gaining attention earlier in 2025. According to the FBI, the cases involve two separate probes: one into illegal sports betting using insider information and another into rigged poker games connected to the Italian-American Mafia, known as La Casa Nostra.
Terry Rozier, a guard for the Miami Heat, was detained for allegedly providing inside information to manipulate prop bets between 2022 and 2024. The FBI claims Rozier informed co-conspirators he would leave a game early on March 23, 2023, enabling over $200,000 in bets on his player-prop unders; he exited after nine minutes. Earlier NBA investigations in 2023, linked to suspicious patterns during his time with the Charlotte Hornets, reportedly cleared him in June 2025, but Commissioner Adam Silver stated the league found insufficient evidence while cooperating with federal authorities who possess subpoena power. Rozier's attorney denied wrongdoing, stating, "Terry was cleared by the NBA and these prosecutors revived that non-case." The NBA placed Rozier on administrative leave without pay, with his paycheck withheld in escrow. A judge denied a $10 million bond request, instead requiring his $6 million home as collateral and passport surrender by October 24. The NBPA issued a statement supporting Rozier: "The integrity of the game is paramount to NBA players, but so is the presumption of innocence."
Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and a former NBA point guard, was arrested for his role in illegal poker games, not direct betting on games he coached or played. The FBI alleges Billups helped recruit participants using his name recognition in mafia-run games in locations including Miami, Las Vegas and Manhattan. These games used rigged devices like shuffling machines and marked cards, defrauding victims of at least $7 million over four years. Billups coached the Blazers' season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday before his Thursday arrest and subsequent unpaid leave. His attorney vowed to fight the charges.
Former NBA guard Damon Jones, who played 11 seasons and later assisted the Cleveland Cavaliers, faces charges in both probes. Reports indicate he used connections, including to LeBron James, to share injury information in 2023, advising bets on the Milwaukee Bucks before a Lakers injury report. Jones also shared details on another Lakers player in 2023-24. He pleaded not guilty on November 6 and was released on a $200,000 bond.
The scandal ties to the lifetime ban of former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy. Other figures like free agent Malik Beasley remain under investigation but were not arrested. The NBA continues to monitor the situation amid broader concerns over gambling's impact on the league.