Thu Oct 23 12:20:00 UTC 2025: ## NBA Rocked by Gambling Arrests: Blazers Coach Billups, Heat Guard Rozier Detained

NEW YORK, NY – The NBA is facing a major crisis as Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested Thursday as part of separate, but related, illegal gambling investigations.

According to sources speaking with ESPN’s Shams Charania, Rozier was apprehended in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday morning. He had been held out of the Heat’s season opener against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday due to a coach’s decision.

Billups’ arrest in Oregon is reportedly connected to an illegal poker operation with ties to the mafia, ABC News reported. He is expected to appear in court later Thursday.

The Eastern District of New York and FBI Director Kash Patel held a press conference at 10 a.m. ET Thursday, announcing multiple arrests connected to the investigations.

Rozier’s arrest stems from concerns raised in March 2023 when sportsbooks flagged suspicious betting activity surrounding his player statistics during a Charlotte Hornets-New Orleans Pelicans game. A surge of bets placed on the “under” for his points, rebounds, and assists prompted sportsbooks to halt betting on Rozier. He played only 10 minutes in that game before exiting due to a reported foot injury.

Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, confirmed that his client met with NBA and FBI officials multiple times in 2023. The NBA investigated the matter at the time but found no violation of league rules.

The case draws parallels to the recent banishment of former Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter, who was permanently banned from the NBA for his involvement in a gambling scheme centered on player prop bets. Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and admitted to manipulating his performance in two games during the 2023-24 season. He is awaiting sentencing in December.

Four men, including Porter, have pleaded guilty in the Porter case, with two other alleged conspirators currently in plea negotiations.

Specific details surrounding Billups’ case remain scarce. Billups, a former NBA champion and Finals MVP with the Detroit Pistons, has coached the Trail Blazers since 2021.

Rozier, 31, is currently in the final year of a four-year, $96.3 million contract he signed with the Hornets in 2021. He was traded to the Heat in January 2024.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the ongoing concerns about gambling and potential manipulation on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, stating that the league is actively working with sportsbook partners to implement safeguards.

“We’ve asked some of our partners to pull back some of the prop bets, especially when they’re on two-way players… where it’s too easy to manipulate something,” Silver said. “We’re trying to put in place… additional controls to prevent some of that manipulation.”

The arrests of Billups and Rozier represent a significant blow to the NBA, highlighting the league’s ongoing battle to maintain integrity in the face of the growing prevalence of sports betting. Further updates are expected as the investigations continue.

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