31 Charged in Two Federal Mafia Poker Probes

More than 30 people, including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former player/coach Damon Jones, were charged in two federal investigations into Mafia‑backed rigged poker rings and insider sports betting that authorities say used sophisticated devices and involved tens of millions of dollars across multiple states. Prosecutors brought charges including wire fraud, money laundering and extortion and say several defendants supplied nonpublic information for insider bets. The NBA placed Billups and Rozier on immediate leave and is cooperating with investigators; Billups’s lawyer has publicly denied the allegations and vowed to fight, while Rozier has not commented. Former player Gilbert Arenas denied being an informant and mocked snitching accusations. Shaquille O’Neal and other league figures warned the case highlights integrity risks and increased harassment tied to expanded sports betting.