NBA gambling case: Who are Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones? | More sports News
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested on Thursday in New York, along with more than 30 others, following a federal investigation into two criminal schemes involving rigged poker games and sports betting operations allegedly backed by Mafia families. Former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Damon Jones was also taken into custody. Federal prosecutors said the schemes involved card game manipulation in cities such as Las Vegas, Miami, Manhattan and the Hamptons, along with fraudulent sports wagers that used insider information from NBA circles.Investigators allege that millions of dollars were made through the use of sophisticated cheating techniques and misuse of confidential details about players and teams. FBI Director Kash Patel said the investigation revealed large-scale financial crimes. “The fraud is mind boggling. We’re talking about tens of millions of dollars in fraud and theft and robbery across a multi-year investigation. This is the insider-trading saga for the NBA,” Patel said. Billups, 49, faces charges related to a conspiracy to fix high-stakes poker games. A Hall of Famer inducted in 2024, he played 17 NBA seasons with teams including Boston, Denver, Detroit, and the Los Angeles Clippers, and was named Finals MVP in 2004. Known as “Mr. Big Shot” during his career, Billups transitioned into coaching in 2020 and became Portland’s head coach the following year.
Chauncey Billups in action for Minnesota Timberwolves against the Los Angeles Lakers on 24th November 2000 at the STAPLES Center arena in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
He recently signed a multi-year extension and entered this season with a 117–211 record. Rozier, 30, was charged in a separate scheme involving the manipulation of sports bets through inside information about NBA players and games. The guard, drafted by Boston in 2015, played for Charlotte and was traded to Miami in 2024. His performances in past games, including one in March 2023 for Charlotte, have since drawn attention from investigators reviewing betting patterns and online activity around player-specific wagers.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in action against the Washington Wizards, Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
Jones, 49, was charged with participating in both schemes. The former NBA guard played for 12 teams during his 11-year career and later joined Cleveland’s coaching staff in 2014. He has also worked in player development and broadcasting.
Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones (L), leaves Lloyd George U.S. Courthouse on Thursday, October 23, 2025 in Las Vegas. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)
All three face charges related to conspiracy, wire fraud and illegal gambling. Further details on court appearances and bail conditions are awaited. The NBA and the teams involved have not issued formal statements at this time.
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The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review communications, betting data and financial transactions linked to the alleged operations.
