FBI Charges 34 Including NBA's Rozier, Billups in Major Betting Scheme

Federal authorities have charged Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, and former NBA assistant Damon Jones among 34 individuals in a sprawling illegal sports betting and rigged poker scheme linked to the Mafia. Rozier is accused of sharing insider information about NBA player injuries and availability, including notable players like LeBron James, to facilitate illegal wagers, which resulted in suspicious betting patterns and millions in illicit gains. Billups faces separate allegations involving underground poker games. Rozier's attorney criticized the FBI's approach, claiming the agency sought a public spectacle rather than allowing Rozier to surrender voluntarily, and asserted Rozier is not a gambler despite the charges. The investigation has also intensified scrutiny on Malik Beasley, who remains a subject of the probe amid ongoing legal uncertainty. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and league officials continue to express concern over illegal betting activities, highlighting the NBA's complex relationship with legal sportsbooks and integrity challenges.