NBA Players and Mafia Indicted in Major Gambling Scandal

Sun Oct 26 2025 05:17:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Significant arrests made in an extensive FBI crackdown on illegal sports betting involving NBA athletes and organized crime.

A recent FBI investigation led to the arrests of NBA player Terry Rozier and head coach Chauncey Billups among dozens accused of participating in illegal gambling activities and rigged poker games linked to the mafia. Investigators revealed substantial manipulation of betting markets, including players allegedly faking injuries to influence wagers. The NBA is reviewing the indictments as more details emerge about the notorious schemes involving high-tech cheating methods and organized crime networks.

An NBA player and coach are among dozens of people arrested as part of a sweeping FBI investigation into illegal sports betting and allegedly rigged, mafia-linked poker games.

Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were named by federal prosecutors in two separate indictments on Thursday.

Rozier, 31, is among six people arrested over alleged betting irregularities that include claims of players faking injuries to influence gambling markets.

Billups is one of 31 charged in a separate illegal poker game case involving retired players and mafia connections. Prosecutors laid bare a scheme where victims were lured into playing rigged poker games alongside sports stars, leading to millions in losses.

Allegations revealed technology like special contact lenses and altered shuffling machines were used for cheating.

The NBA confirmed Rozier and Billups are on immediate leave as they review the federal indictments, emphasizing their commitment to the integrity of the game.

Rozier's attorney denied any wrongdoing, stating: 'Terry is not a gambler and looks forward to fighting these charges.' Rozier's career now hangs in the balance as investigations highlight serious integrity breaches in professional sports.