Congress Seeks NBA Commissioner Briefing on Widespread Gambling Scandal

Members of the U.S. Congress have formally requested a briefing from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver by October 31 regarding the league's ongoing illegal gambling scandal, which involves high-profile figures such as Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player and coach Damon Jones. The bipartisan letter from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce raises concerns about illegal sports betting using non-public information and asks whether the NBA's Code of Conduct sufficiently prohibits such activities. Commissioner Silver expressed being "deeply disturbed" by the scandal and detailed how the league previously investigated aberrant betting behavior linked to Rozier but found insufficient evidence to take action at that time. Congressional members also seek clarity on the NBA's plans to limit disclosure of non-public information for illegal betting, potential gaps in regulations, and whether the NBA is reconsidering its partnerships with sports betting companies like DraftKings and FanDuel. Silver has publicly advocated for stronger federal regulation of sports betting to better monitor promotion and advertising and reduce risks of game manipulation and problematic fan behavior. The unfolding scandal has intensified scrutiny on the NBA, prompting lawmakers to push for enhanced safeguards and potential federal legislation to address illegal gambling practices.