Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has been charged in an illegal poker operation linked to the mafia, law enforcement sources told ABC News.
Billups, in his fifth season as head coach, was arrested in Oregon, where he is expected to make an initial court appearance Thursday, sources said.
Billups coached the Trail Blazers in the season opener on Wednesday night, a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, in Portland, Oregon.
Jenny Kane/AP
Billups was also a star player, primarily for the Detroit Pistons, before retiring in 2014. He was a five-time All-Star in his 17 years in the NBA and led the Pistons to the 2004 NBA title, being named Finals MVP.
He was the third overall pick in 1997 and finished his career with 15.2 points and 5.4 assists per game.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers player and assistant coach Damon Jones were also charged in a separate but related illegal gambling case. They are among six people charged Thursday with turning professional basketball into a criminal gambling operation by using inside information to place illegal bets, law enforcement sources told ABC News.
FBI Director Kash Patel is expected to announce the charges along with other law enforcement officials during a news conference Thursday in New York City.
Rozier is in his 11th year in the league with 13.9 points per game in 665 games played. He was a key contributor for the Boston Celtics in the playoffs in 2016-19.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies guard Javon Small defends during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Miami.
Marta Lavandier/AP
His team opened the 2025 season Wednesday night in Orlando, but Rozier did not play due to a hamstring injury.
Last year, former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter pleaded guilty to wire fraud and received a lifetime ban from the NBA after betting on his team to lose, pretending to be harmed for gambling purposes and sharing confidential information with players.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
