Major Crackdown on Illegal Sports Betting: NBA Stars Among Arrested

Sun Nov 30 2025 23:43:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An extensive FBI investigation has led to the arrest of NBA player Terry Rozier and coach Chauncey Billups among others in connection with illegal gambling and mafia-linked activities.

In a significant operation, the FBI has arrested NBA players and others, including Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups, in connection with illegal sports betting and a rigged poker scheme involving the mafia. The allegations include manipulating injury reports to affect betting outcomes. The NBA is taking the charges seriously and has placed both Rozier and Billups on leave during the investigation.

Major Crackdown on Illegal Sports Betting: NBA Stars Among Arrested

An NBA player and coach are among dozens of individuals arrested as part of a sweeping FBI investigation into illegal sports betting and alleged mafia-linked poker games. Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups are named in separate indictments stemming from the investigation.

Both Rozier and Billups deny the allegations against them. Rozier, 31, is involved in a case that includes six others accused of manipulating injury reports to influence betting markets. Billups is among 31 people charged in a separate case concerning illegal poker games tied to mafia activities.

This mafia-related investigation reportedly involves four of New York's five major crime families and centers on a scheme designed to draw victims into playing rigged poker games featuring prominent sports figures.

The NBA has reacted promptly, placing both individuals on administrative leave as it reviews the situation. CEO of the NBA affirmed the league's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game amidst these serious allegations.

Rozier's attorney has refuted the claims, asserting that his client is not a gambler and is eager to clear his name. Rozier appeared in court and was released after providing his Florida home as collateral for his bail. Billups is expected to post a substantial bond to secure his release as well.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced the indictments, marking the incident as part of a coordinated operation across eleven states, addressing substantial fraud and theft over multiple years. The investigation highlighted that various high-profile games from the NBA season were involved in these gambling irregularities.

In total, the allegations could indicate manipulation involving several games, with Rozier’s case pointing to significant betting irregularities related to an injury he claimed during a game.

The second indictment reveals a complex scheme involving rigged poker games, highlighting the use of advanced technology to cheat victims out of major sums of money. Authorities indicate that the combined efforts of the groups involved have led to a substantial investigation into organized crime's influence on professional sports.