Portland Trail Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups Arrested in Federal Mafia-Linked Gambling Probe

Portland Trail Blazers head coach and Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups was arrested in a federal gambling investigation involving rigged underground poker games backed by Mafia families. Billups allegedly used his celebrity status to attract players to these fixed games, which were part of a larger FBI investigation that also involved other NBA figures like Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Despite the serious charges, Billups has received strong public support from former NBA teammate Sam Mitchell, who emphasized Billups' character and the importance of waiting for evidence before judgment. The arrest has sparked widespread reactions online, including memes and speculation about connections to other figures such as Gilbert Arenas, who is also implicated in related illegal poker operations. Billups' arrest came shortly after the NBA season started, forcing the Blazers to proceed under interim coach Tiago Splitter, with Billups' future in the NBA uncertain. This case adds to the ongoing scrutiny of gambling-related scandals in professional basketball and raises questions about the integrity of the sport.