Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups Arrested in Major Betting Probe

URGENT UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, NBA guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were arrested by the FBI this morning as part of a sweeping federal investigation into illegal sports betting. Sources confirm that the arrests occurred on October 12, 2023, with the FBI expected to provide more details at a press conference scheduled for 10 a.m. ET in New York.

Rozier was apprehended at a hotel in Orlando, Florida, where the Miami Heat were playing the Orlando Magic. Notably, Rozier did not participate in the game, which was a coach’s decision. Meanwhile, Billups was arrested in his hometown of Portland, Oregon, as the Trail Blazers are currently between home games.

This developing story revolves around two separate but interconnected cases of illegal betting, including allegations that Rozier was involved in a sports betting ring that exploited current and former players. Some players are accused of faking injuries to manipulate game outcomes. Rozier is one of six individuals charged in this case, according to reports from CBS News and ABC News.

Billups, on the other hand, is among 31 people charged for participating in illegal high-stakes poker games tied to organized crime figures. The implications of these arrests are far-reaching, casting a shadow over the NBA and raising concerns about the integrity of the sport.

The alarming trend around illegal betting has prompted NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to call for stricter regulations. On a recent episode of “The Pat McAfee Show,” Silver emphasized the need for additional controls to prevent game manipulation, particularly regarding prop bets on players with less stake in the competition.

Investigators have flagged unusual betting activity connected to Rozier prior to a game on March 23, 2023, between the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans. Within 46 minutes, a professional bettor placed $13,759 in wagers on the under for Rozier’s points, rebounds, and assists—a red flag that led sportsbooks to suspend prop betting on his performance. In that game, Rozier played only 10 minutes before leaving due to a foot injury.

Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, stated that Rozier has cooperated with authorities throughout the investigation and maintains his innocence. The investigation also delves into the case of former NBA player Jontay Porter, who was banned from the NBA in 2024 for his involvement in a betting scandal and has since pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges.

As this major investigation unfolds, the impact on the NBA and its players is profound. Fans and stakeholders alike are left wondering about the ramifications of these arrests and what further developments might arise.

WHAT’S NEXT: As federal officials prepare to announce more details of this investigation, all eyes are on the NBA and its response to the crisis. The urgency of the situation has attracted significant media attention, and it is likely to dominate discussions in sports circles for the foreseeable future.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.