Billups, Rozier, Jones Arrested in NBA Gambling Probe

Federal authorities arrested Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and former player/assistant Damon Jones in a sweeping federal probe into illegal sports betting and organized crime-linked poker operations. Authorities say Rozier supplied inside information to bettors — including allegedly sharing roster and bench status and faking an injury to benefit wagers — and was taken into custody in Orlando after he did not play in the Heat’s season opener. Billups is charged in an alleged illegal poker operation reportedly tied to New York Mafia families, which prosecutors say is separate from the game-related betting allegations. Damon Jones is accused of providing strategic insider details to bettors and accepting payments, with reports saying he sought a $2,500 partial prepayment. The Brooklyn U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI are leading the investigation, which has produced dozens of arrests and charges involving manipulation of player-prop bets; an FBI/US Attorney news briefing led by Director Kash Patel is scheduled.