Thu Oct 23 14:41:00 UTC 2025: Headline: NBA Coach Chauncey Billups Arrested in Mafia-Linked Gambling Probe

New York, NY – Portland Trail Blazers head coach and NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups was arrested Thursday in connection to an investigation into an illegal poker operation with alleged ties to the Mafia, according to US media reports. The arrest was announced alongside that of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who was taken into custody in a separate but related betting case.

ABC News, citing law enforcement sources, broke the news of Billups’ alleged involvement in the high-stakes gambling ring. The FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to hold a press conference in New York City at 10:00 AM (14:00 GMT) to provide further details regarding the arrests.

Billups, 49, a former star player for the Detroit Pistons, retired from the NBA in 2014 and took the helm as head coach of the Trail Blazers in 2021. He was on the bench for the team’s season opener on Wednesday, a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. According to ABC, Billups is expected to make his first court appearance in Oregon later today.

Terry Rozier, 31, a guard for the Miami Heat, was also arrested in connection to the probe, although details of his alleged involvement remain scarce. Rozier is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

These arrests come amidst increasing scrutiny of gambling within the NBA. Jontay Porter, formerly of the Toronto Raptors, was banned from the league for life last year for betting on NBA games and disclosing confidential information. His case highlights the NBA’s strict regulations against gambling on games and the severe consequences for violations. In July, former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas was arrested on charges of running illegal poker games at his mansion.

The investigation into Billups and Rozier’s alleged involvement is ongoing, and further details are expected to be revealed during the FBI’s press conference.

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