Clippers’ Lue says longtime friend Billups ‘confident’ after betting-probe arrest
lue-says-billups-confident-after-betting-probe-arrest
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — LA Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said Sunday that Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups is “really confident” despite being arrested Thursday in a federal investigation into illegal sports betting and fixed poker games.
Lue, speaking before the Clippers faced Portland at Kia Forum, explained that he has known Billups since he was 17 and is the godfather to Billups’ three daughters. “You hate to see him go through something like this,” Lue said. “I believe in Chauncey’s character. He has my love and support always.”
The Clippers coach added that a phone conversation with Billups reassured him. “When you’ve known somebody so long, you can just tell by their voice if they’re OK,” Lue noted. “The toughest part for him is what his family is going through, but he sounded confident about the situation.”
The Trail Blazers placed Billups on leave following the arrest and elevated assistant Tiago Splitter to interim head coach. Portland won its first game under Splitter on Friday night, defeating the Golden State Warriors.
Source: ESPN
