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NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe is sounding a serious alarm to figures caught up in the current NBA gambling probe- including Chauncey Billups- underscoring how quickly off-court indiscretions can spiral into career-destroying consequences. Sharpe, who recently resolved a high-stakes civil lawsuit, initially seeking around $50 million, against him, used his platform on the Nightcap podcast to deliver pointed commentary. On his recent podcast episode, “I hate it man. I just I just hate it. I hate it,” Sharpe stated regarding the scandal. He emphasized the ethical implications of taking money through dishonest means. He added, “People work hard for their money and to cheat somebody out of their money, Joe, I ain’t never been like that, I couldn’t.” ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups faces serious federal charges connected to an illegal poker operation. Authorities charged him with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy as part of a massive investigation dubbed “Nothing But Bet.” ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad The alleged poker scheme involved sophisticated cheating methods. Prosecutors claim organizers used rigged shuffling machines and even X-ray technology to read cards facing down on the table. Games occurred in multiple locations including the Hamptons, Manhattan, Las Vegas and Miami since 2019. Billups coached the Trail Blazers in their season opener just one day before his arrest. The NBA immediately placed him on leave following the charges. The Trail Blazers named Tiago Splitter as interim head coach while the legal process continues. The investigation revealed connections to organized crime families. Thirteen defendants have ties to the Bonano, Gambino and Genovese crime families according to authorities. Victims reportedly lost millions of dollars in the alleged scheme. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports This comes at a time when Shanon Sharpe himself is facing heavy public scrutiny. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Shannon Sharpe’s Recent Legal Settlement Shannon Sharpe recently resolved a major lawsuit that had significant personal and professional consequences. He settled a $50 million lawsuit filed by a 20-year-old OnlyFans model for $23 million, avoiding a lengthy court battle. The lawsuit contained serious allegations against the NFL legend. The woman accused Sharpe of assault and claimed he recorded their intimate moments without consent. She also alleged he threatened violence during their relationship. Sharpe maintained that all activity was consensual and denied the assault allegations. The case concluded with the substantial settlement payment earlier this year. The resolution came shortly before his departure from ESPN. The legal situation impacted Sharpe’s broadcasting career. ESPN did not renew his contract for First Take following the lawsuit settlement. He now focuses primarily on his Nightcap podcast alongside other media ventures.
