Federal Arrests NBA Coach Billups Mafia-Linked Gambling Scandal

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested as part of a massive federal investigation into an illegal gambling and rigged poker operation linked to multiple Mafia families, including the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese crime families. The scheme, which allegedly ran from 2019 to 2025, used advanced cheating technology such as rigged shuffling machines, X-ray poker tables, and special contact lenses to fix games and defraud wealthy victims. Billups, along with former NBA players Damon Jones and current Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, were accused of acting as "face cards," leveraging their fame to attract participants to these illicit games. Organized crime expert Zach Jensen explained that once individuals like Billups cross into illegal activity with the mob, they become entangled due to potential blackmail and the difficulty of extricating themselves. The scandal has shocked many, including NBA legends like Michael Cooper, who expressed disbelief at Billups' alleged involvement given his composed and respected reputation. The NBA has responded by placing Billups and Rozier on leave, while the investigation continues to unfold, raising serious concerns about gambling influences within professional basketball.