Federal Indictments Detail Insider Betting Allegations Against Rozier, Billups, Jones
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Newly unsealed federal indictments outline a series of insider-betting schemes that allegedly involved Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, and former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones.
Rozier Accused of Prop-Bet Scheme
Prosecutors say Rozier told co-defendant Deniro Laster he would remove himself early from the Charlotte Hornets’ March 23, 2023 matchup. The Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges Laster received $100,000 for relaying that information to Marves Fairley, who then passed it along to additional bettors. Investigators claim $259,000 was wagered on Rozier “under” proposition bets, with the eventual winnings allegedly delivered to Rozier’s residence.
Trail Blazers Information Leak
The indictment also describes a separate incident tied to a March 24, 2023 Portland game. A co-conspirator allegedly informed defendant Eric Earnest that the Trail Blazers planned to rest a key player. Damian Lillard did not play that night because of a calf injury and was later shut down for the season. Lillard is not accused of sharing any information.
Jones Implicated in Lakers Tip
Damon Jones is charged with providing inside information before the Los Angeles Lakers’ February 9, 2023 contest against Milwaukee. According to the filing, Jones alerted a bettor that a specific Laker would be unavailable; LeBron James was subsequently ruled out with ankle soreness. Though not employed by the team, Jones had facility access while working with James.
Additional Allegations
The DOJ cites wagers placed ahead of an April 6, 2023 Orlando Magic game after a defendant allegedly learned the club would rest its starters.
Billups Linked to Rigged Poker Games
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said Billups served as a “celebrity face card” to entice participants into mafia-backed poker games that used marked cards, X-ray tables and specialized glasses. Prosecutors contend Billups and other high-profile figures received a portion of the illicit proceeds.
Arrests and Charges
Rozier and Billups were arrested Thursday morning and immediately placed on leave by their respective organizations. They face counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Each is scheduled to appear in federal court Thursday — Rozier in Florida, Billups in Oregon.
Jones, named in both the betting and poker investigations, is among 34 individuals arrested during the multi-year probe. The NBA said it is cooperating fully with federal authorities and regards the allegations with “utmost seriousness.”
Source: Hoops Wire
