FBI Cracks Down on Mafia-Backed Gambling Scheme Involving NBA Stars

A federal probe has sent shockwaves through American sports after the FBI arrested Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in what prosecutors describe as one of the most brazen sports-corruption cases in recent years.

According to court filings, Billups is accused of taking part in a network of rigged, high-stakes poker games backed by New York mafia families, while Rozier allegedly used confidential NBA information to influence sports bets and profit from manipulated wagers.

Authorities say the investigation, spanning eleven states, uncovered tens of millions of dollars in illegal profits and involved more than 30 defendants, including former assistant coach Damon Jones.

The FBI called the schemes “mind-boggling fraud,” adding that organized-crime groups threatened victims who refused to pay.

Both Billups and Rozier have denied wrongdoing and were placed on leave by their teams as the NBA vowed full cooperation with federal authorities.