In brief
Chauncey Billups, the Portland Trail Blazers coach and Hall of Famer, will appear in federal court facing charges of money laundering and wire fraud. Prosecutors allege he was involved in a scheme to rig illegal poker games backed by Mafia figures, potentially defrauding victims of $7 million since 2019. Billups's attorney maintains his client's innocence, emphasizing his integrity and Hall of Fame legacy. The NBA is reviewing its gambling policies in light of recent arrests, including those of players tied to similar schemes.
NEW YORK (AP) — Chauncey Billups, coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and a basketball Hall of Famer, is set to appear in a New York court facing serious charges. Billups is accused of profiting from rigged poker games linked to Mafia figures and at least one former NBA player.
The five-time All-Star, who won a championship with the Detroit Pistons, will be arraigned in Brooklyn on money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges. His attorney, Chris Heywood, claims that Billups, a man of high integrity, would never risk his legacy for illegal activities.
This high-profile case is part of a federal crackdown on illegal gambling operations connected to professional sports, with more than 30 individuals charged.
Prosecutors allege that since 2019, Billups's involvement in the poker scheme defrauded victims of approximately $7 million. They described him as a 'celebrity face card' who attracted wealthy, unsuspecting players to these games.
Following his arrest, Billups was placed on unpaid leave, and interim coaching duties have been assumed by Tiago Splitter.
The ongoing scandal has prompted the NBA to reevaluate its gambling policies, in light of associated arrests involving players like Miami Heat's Terry Rozier.
