Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal Condemn Players Arrested in NBA Betting Case
barkley-oneal-condemn-nba-betting-scandal
Hall of Famers Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal sharply criticized the NBA figures swept up in a federal gambling investigation during ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” pre-game show on Thursday night, Oct. 23, 2025, ahead of the Denver Nuggets–Golden State Warriors matchup.
Former Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Damon Jones were arrested earlier this week on allegations that include fixing basketball outcomes, manipulating bets with insider information, and taking part in mob-backed poker operations.
Kenny Smith opened the on-air discussion by noting that gambling addiction can drive irrational behavior. Barkley immediately rejected that angle.
“This has nothing to do with addiction — it’s stupidity,” Barkley said, pointing out that Rozier already earns roughly $26 million per season. “Under no circumstances can you fix basketball games… You’re taking yourself out for a few thousand dollars? It’s idiotic.”
O’Neal, who said he knows Billups and Jones personally, echoed the outrage.
“I’m ashamed,” the four-time NBA champion said. “There’s an old saying in the hood — all money ain’t good money. You can lose your career, your freedom, your reputation and embarrass your family. It’s not worth it.”
Both analysts emphasized that the league regularly educates players and coaches on gambling regulations and ethical standards. The arrests, they noted, have created one of the NBA’s most serious integrity challenges in decades.
Federal prosecutors allege that Rozier used non-public information to influence wagers, while Billups is accused of joining fixed poker games financed by organized-crime families. Jones faces charges in both schemes.
Barkley summarized the controversy in blunt terms: “Greed and stupidity — that’s the problem.”
Source: Hoops Wire
