Fri Oct 24 22:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Criticizes NBA’s Handling of Player Protection Amid Betting Scandal

NEW YORK – Boston Celtics forward and NBA Players Association Vice President Jaylen Brown has voiced concerns over the league’s lack of attention to protecting players from the growing pressures and potential pitfalls surrounding sports betting. His comments come in the wake of a major gambling scandal that saw several prominent figures, including Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, indicted on Thursday.

Speaking before the Celtics’ game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Friday, Brown lamented the focus on revenue generation over player well-being. “I don’t think once… that the NBA has been like, ‘How can we protect players more with the environment?’ There’s been little to no conversation around that. It’s all about, a lot of times, ‘How can we increase business and increase revenue?'” he stated.

Billups’ charges are related to alleged roles in rigged poker games. Rozier stands accused of providing inside information for betting purposes, allegedly informing a friend about his impending withdrawal from a March 2023 game while playing for the Charlotte Hornets, leading to significant bets on prop outcomes.

Brown emphasized the need for proactive measures from the NBA to address the potential negative consequences that arise from the increasing integration of sports betting. “It creates a negative discourse around the game and players when people have money involved,” he explained. “It’s leading to situations that we can avoid if more conversations were had right now.”

While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations against Rozier, a former teammate, Brown stated that the NBPA has launched an investigation to ascertain the facts. He stressed the importance of clearing their names if Rozier and Billups are found innocent, adding that the immediate priority is gathering all necessary information to uncover the truth.

The broader scandal involves multiple arrests and indictments tied to illegal sports betting and rigged poker games, including former Cavaliers player and assistant coach Damon Jones, prompting a renewed focus on the potential vulnerabilities of players within the current landscape. The NBPA and NBA have yet to officially respond to Brown’s specific criticisms.

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