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The NBA was rocked on Thursday morning as Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups were arrested in connection with an FBI investigation into illegal sports gambling. The news, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, has sent shockwaves across the league. Rozier Arrested Over Suspicious Betting Activity Rozier, who played for the Charlotte Hornets at the time of the investigation, is among six people charged in the case. He was arrested at a hotel in Orlando, where the Heat had played the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Rozier did not feature in that game due to a coaching decision. The investigation dates back to March 23, 2023, when sportsbooks across multiple states flagged unusual betting on Rozier’s statistical performance in a Hornets vs. New Orleans Hornets game. Within 46 minutes, a professional bettor placed 30 wagers totaling $13,759 on the under for Rozier’s points, rebounds, and assists, forcing several sportsbooks to suspend betting on his stats. In that game, Rozier played only 10 minutes before leaving due to a foot injury. Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, confirmed that Rozier met with FBI and NBA officials multiple times in 2023, consistently maintaining his innocence throughout the investigation. Billups Charged in Illegal Poker Operation Meanwhile, Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested in Oregon in connection with an illegal poker operation linked to the Mafia, according to ABC News. Law enforcement sources clarified that the charges are unrelated to games Billups coached. Billups, in his fifth season as Portland’s head coach, had led the team in their season opener Wednesday night, a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Before his coaching career, Billups was a decorated NBA player, highlighted by a 17-year career that included five All-Star appearances and leading the Detroit Pistons to the 2004 NBA title while earning Finals MVP honors. FBI Director Kash Patel is expected to announce all charges in a press conference on Thursday morning. Rozier and Billups now face serious legal proceedings, bringing intense scrutiny to two high-profile figures in basketball.
