NBA Places Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups on Immediate Leave After Federal Gambling Indictments
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The NBA placed Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups on immediate leave Thursday after both were named in federal indictments tied to illegal gambling schemes, the league announced.
“We are in the process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today,” the league said in a statement. “We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”
Two Parallel Investigations
Rozier, Billups and former NBA player and coach Damon Jones were among 34 people arrested Thursday morning in separate but connected probes led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said the NBA has cooperated throughout the multi-year investigation.
- Rozier and Jones were charged in a six-person scheme that allegedly used insider information to place illegal bets on NBA games.
- Billups and Jones were among 31 defendants accused of rigging mafia-backed poker games using doctored equipment and covert technology.
Rozier and Billups each face counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Rozier is scheduled to appear in federal court in Florida, while Billups is set for a separate appearance in Oregon.
Details of the Betting Allegations
According to the Department of Justice:
- Rozier allegedly told co-defendant Deniro Laster he would remove himself in the first quarter of a March 23, 2023 game while with Charlotte. Laster was reportedly paid $100,000 for the tip, which was passed along to others who wagered a combined $259,000 on prop bets tied to Rozier’s performance. Investigators say winnings were later delivered to Rozier’s home.
- An unnamed co-conspirator informed defendant Eric Earnest that Portland would shift into “tank mode” before a March 24, 2023 matchup, indicating a certain player would sit. Damian Lillard missed that game with a calf injury, though the indictment does not allege his involvement.
- Jones allegedly told a contact before the Los Angeles Lakers’ Feb. 9, 2023 game in Milwaukee that a specific Laker would be out. LeBron James missed that contest with ankle soreness; prosecutors say James had no knowledge of Jones’ actions.
- Defendants also placed bets ahead of an April 6, 2023 Orlando Magic game after learning the team would rest its starters.
Poker Scheme Accusations
Prosecutors describe Billups as a “celebrity face card” used to lure high-stakes players to rigged poker games. The indictment says participants shared in illicit proceeds generated through manipulated shuffling machines, X-ray tables and specialized eyeglasses.
Rozier and Billups remain on leave as the legal process moves forward.
Source: Hoops Rumors
