Copyright New York Post
Clippers fans had some fun at the Trail Blazers’ expense Sunday. Days after Portland head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested as part of the gambling scandal that rocked the NBA, fans chanted “F-B-I!” while the visitors attempted free throws during Los Angeles’ 114-107 win at the Intuit Dome, as shown in video posted by the Washington Post’s Ben Golliver. As part of a federal gambling bust last week, the Hall of Famer Billups was arrested after he allegedly was used by the Mafia to be a “face card” for rigged poker games. He was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Billups, 49, is also accused of leaking information to gamblers that the Trail Blazers were planning to tank a game against the Bulls on March 24, 2023. The Blazers lost that game, 124-96. Billups, along with Heat guard Terry Rozier, who was also arrested as part of the gambling bust, was placed on leave by the NBA. Follow The Post’s latest on the gambling scandal rocking the NBA: NBAers Chauncey Billups, ‘Scary Terry’ Rozier arrested in major gambling bust involving 4 Mafia families, LA Lakers and LeBron James Who is Damon Jones? The other NBA player and LeBron James friend in middle of FBI betting, poker arrests Lakers, Raptors, Hornets, Trail Blazers involved in NBA gambling scandal: DOJ Reputed mobster busted in NBA scandal admitted trying to violently take over NYC garbage business ‘Scammer’ known as ‘Pookie’ in NBA poker scandal trashed NYC home — and left behind nude self-portrait: landlord Before Sunday’s game, Clippers coach Ty Lue — the godfather to Billups’ three daughters — said his friend is “really confident” about his situation despite the arrest. “It’s hard to process,” Lue told reporters. “You hate to see him go through something like this, along with his three girls, who are my goddaughters, and his wife, Piper. “I believe in Chauncey’s character. I know who he is as a person. I’ve been with him since I was 17 years old. So, it’s just hard to see something like this happen. He has my love and support always.” Tiago Splitter, a former NBA champion with the Spurs who was an assistant with the Nets for four seasons, is serving as the Trail Blazers’ interim head coach. Billups’ arrest came a day after the team dropped its season-opener to the Timberwolves. The Trail Blazers are 2-1 since then, including a Monday road win over the Lakers.
