Federal authorities arrested NBA players Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and Damon Jones as part of two connected illegal gambling investigations. The first case charges six people with using insider knowledge and manipulating game performances to fix bets. A second prosecution targets 31 defendants accused of running crooked poker operations. Law enforcement officials say organized crime members used special contact lenses and modified tables to see opponents' cards.
The NBA suspended Billups and Rozier without pay as the probe continues. FBI Director Kash Patel described the fraud as involving tens of millions of dollars over multiple years. Prosecutors detailed charges at a press briefing, identifying more than 30 arrests stemming from investigations begun years earlier. Authorities say conspirators lured victims by promising games with famous athletes.
Charges cover wire fraud, cryptocurrency fraud, money laundering, extortion and armed robbery. One scheme had players sharing privileged details to help associates place winning wagers. Prosecutors believe Rozier faked an injury and shared that information before tipoff. Victims lost roughly seven million dollars with one person dropping over one million dollars.
The league stated it will review federal indictments and work with investigators. Officials confirmed that college basketball remained outside the scope of the investigation. The NBA emphasized protecting competitive integrity as its highest concern.
The NBA suspended Billups and Rozier without pay as the probe continues. FBI Director Kash Patel described the fraud as involving tens of millions of dollars over multiple years. Prosecutors detailed charges at a press briefing, identifying more than 30 arrests stemming from investigations begun years earlier. Authorities say conspirators lured victims by promising games with famous athletes.
Charges cover wire fraud, cryptocurrency fraud, money laundering, extortion and armed robbery. One scheme had players sharing privileged details to help associates place winning wagers. Prosecutors believe Rozier faked an injury and shared that information before tipoff. Victims lost roughly seven million dollars with one person dropping over one million dollars.
The league stated it will review federal indictments and work with investigators. Officials confirmed that college basketball remained outside the scope of the investigation. The NBA emphasized protecting competitive integrity as its highest concern.
