FBI Arrests Over 30 NBA Figures in Massive Illegal Gambling Scheme

The NBA is facing a major scandal following the arrests of Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier, among over 30 others, in connection with large-scale illegal gambling operations. FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that the charges include wire fraud, money laundering, and extortion, describing the case as a "criminal empire" linked to both the NBA and organized crime groups. Rozier is accused of participating in an insider sports betting scheme where confidential information about player performances was exploited, including a specific incident where he allegedly signaled an early exit from a game to benefit conspirators' bets. Meanwhile, Billups is implicated in a separate case involving rigged underground poker games using sophisticated cheating devices, defrauding victims of millions. Both individuals have been placed on leave by the NBA as investigations continue, with their legal representatives contesting the allegations. The league has expressed commitment to preserving the integrity of the sport amidst these revelations.