In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, FBI Director Kash Patel appeared on "The Ingraham Angle" to discuss an extensive investigation into an illegal gambling ring with ties to prominent NBA figures and organized crime families. The investigation culminated in the arrests of three well-known basketball personalities: Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones. These arrests have brought to light a complex scheme involving rigged poker games and the leaking of insider information related to NBA games, casting a shadow over the careers and legacies of those involved.
Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones were taken into custody early Thursday morning as part of this federal probe. The Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges that Billups and Jones knowingly participated in manipulated poker games, while Rozier and Jones provided non-public information about NBA games to associates, enabling them to place bets with an unfair advantage. The scandal not only implicates these individuals but also suggests connections to the La Cosa Nostra crime families, highlighting the gravity and breadth of the illegal gambling operation.
### Chauncey Billups: From NBA Champion to Alleged Gambling Scheme Participant
Chauncey Billups, a prominent figure in basketball both as a player and a coach, has had a storied career marked by significant achievements. Most notably, he led the Detroit Pistons to the 2004 NBA championship, earning the Finals MVP title alongside teammates Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, and Rip Hamilton under coach Larry Brown. Billups was originally drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in 1997 after an impressive college career at Colorado. His early NBA years saw him moving between teams, including the Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves, before he found his stride with the Detroit Pistons starting in the 2002-03 season.
During his time with Detroit, Billups became known for his defensive prowess and leadership, earning four of his five All-Star selections as a Piston. His career averages from 2003 to 2011 included 17.3 points and 6.2 assists per game. After stints with the Nuggets, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, and a final season with the Pistons, Billups transitioned into coaching. He joined the Clippers as an assistant coach in 2020 and was appointed head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021. He even secured a multiyear contract extension with the Blazers in April.
Despite this successful trajectory, Billups is now facing serious allegations. According to the DOJ, he was identified as one of the "face cards" in the illegal gambling ring—a term used to describe members of the "Cheating Teams" who received a share of the criminal proceeds in exchange for their involvement. The scheme, which dates back to April 2019, reportedly caused victims to lose at least $7.15 million. Billups was allegedly used to attract victims to rigged poker games in Las Vegas, which were manipulated using a rigged shuffling machine. In one instance, a co-conspirator suggested Billups deliberately lose a hand to avoid suspicion of cheating. The indictment also reveals that Billups was wired $50,000 following one such rigged game in October 2020. His career earnings as a player exceeded $100 million, highlighting the stark contrast between his professional success and the alleged criminal activities.
### Terry Rozier: Active Player Accused of Manipulating Game Outcomes for Gambling Gains
Terry Rozier, the only active NBA player arrested in this case, faces allegations that strike at the heart of the game's integrity. Rozier is accused of deliberately leaving a game early under the pretense of injury to allow co-conspirators to place advantageous wagers on his "under" prop bets. His story began with a promising basketball career at the University of Louisville, followed by selection as the 16th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. Although he spent his early years coming off the bench, Rozier blossomed into a starter after being traded to the Charlotte Hornets, where his scoring averages increased steadily, peaking at 21.1 points per game in the 2022-23 season.
Rozier's talents earned him a lucrative four-year, $97 million contract extension with the Hornets before he was traded to the Miami Heat during the 2023-24 season. However, his reputation has now