Federal prosecutors say more than 30 people were accused between two illegal gambling investigations.
Among those 30, are Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trailblazer head coach Chauncey Billups, and former NBA coach and player Damon Jones.
The three are accused of giving insider information on NBA games to bettors.
Terry Rozier is accused of faking an injury in a game to profit off of a bet. The alleged game was on March 23, 2023. Terry Rozier left that game with an injury ten minutes into the game, only scoring five points.
The NBA said it investigated “unusual betting activity” around Rozier in 2023. They did not find any violations to league rules.
Chauncey Billups is accused of sharing information on who would be injured before a game. The alleged game is on March 24, 2023 and four
Chauncey Billups (credit: NBA)
of their starters were out, with only Josh Hart starting.
Damon Jones is accused of giving insider information on players missing games. Allegedly, he sold injury reports of an important player, resulting in the buyer profiting off of bets. Jones allegedly sold information twice, but only once was it true.
The player turned out to be Lebron James. James is not accused or suspected of anything.
The FBI also claimed an Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers game had injury reports sold, taking place on April 6, 2023.
Along with illegal gambling on NBA, there were 30 people arrested for a related illegal poker ring.
Ricky Patel, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New York says, “Over 7 million dollars was cheated out of the victims.”
FBI Director Kash Patel claimed the suspects were using X-ray tables, hidden cameras in the lights and rigged card shuffler machine.
Prosecutors say the shuffler would read the cards dealt, and transmit information of peoples hands to the “operator” off-site. They would communicate the information to the someone called the “quarterback” at the table. Their job was to give a signal, like touch their nose or place a certain chip down, indicating which player had the best hand.
Image of an X-ray poker table found in a defendants iCloud account (credit: U.S. Justice Department)
The FBI says four crime families are involved, and thirteen alleged mobsters were indicted.
The scams allegedly took place in multiple places across the United States, citing Washington and New York. The FBI claims the illegal poker rings may had been running for over four years.
Terry Rozier appeared in court today, where the judge required Rozier put up his house as collateral for bond. Shortly later, Terry walked out of the court house. His next expected court date is December in New York. He was ordered to give up his passport by tomorrow and not to gamble.
Chauncey Billups also appeared in court today, where he agreed with his right to remain silent, responding “yes,” according to KGW.
Billups did not make a plea at the court in Portland. He was released on agreements made by the
Terry Rozier leaving court Thursday (credit: AP)
prosecutors and defense attorneys, according to KGW.
According to KGW, the conditions include;
- No gambling activity
- No contact with firearms
- Travel restrictions
Both Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups have been placed on immediate leave from their teams.
Former Toronto Raptor, Jontay Porter was mentioned in the indictment, but is not named as a defendant. Porter pleaded guilty to illegally gambling on games in 2024.
Jontay Porter may face up to four years in prison, but his sentencing is delayed.
The investigation is still ongoing.
