Blazers Reeling After Coach Billups Arrested in Poker Scheme

UPDATE: The Portland Trail Blazers are reeling after head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested early Thursday morning in connection with a sprawling alleged poker scheme. Billups, alongside Miami Heat player Terry Rozier, faces serious charges from federal authorities related to a conspiracy to fix high-stakes card games that reportedly cheated victims out of at least $7 million.

The shocking arrest took place at Billups’ home in Lake Oswego just hours after the Blazers suffered a loss in their season opener to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Friday night, the team took to the court against the Golden State Warriors under interim coach Tiago Splitter, who was named to lead the team following the incident.

The mood in the Blazers’ locker room was somber, with players visibly affected as they attempted to process the news. “It’s not an easy situation. We’re thinking about him and his family,” said forward Deni Avdija. “We really love Chauncey and what he’s done for this organization.”

Following the arrest, the NBA placed both Billups and Rozier on administrative leave. Splitter, who joined the coaching staff in June, addressed the media before the game, stating, “Not great, not great. But we’ve got to move forward. We’ve a job to do.” The former NBA player expressed excitement about the opportunity for the team despite the turmoil.

Billups, 49, was a beloved figure in Portland, having signed a multiyear contract extension in April and entering his fifth season with the team. The Blazers had high hopes for the new season, fueled by a promising core of young talent including Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, alongside the return of fan-favorite Damian Lillard, who is recovering from an Achilles injury.

“This is a tough moment for us,” said one fan, Mitch Weaver, who attended the game wearing a Trail Blazers sweatshirt. “We had Dame back. Everything was looking up.” The uncertainty surrounding the team’s future is compounded by the recent sale of the franchise to a group led by Tom Dundon, who has committed to keeping the team in Portland.

The arrest of Billups is part of a larger investigation involving 31 individuals, some reportedly linked to organized crime. This scandal has rocked the NBA, raising serious questions about gambling practices within the league. The NBA’s commissioner, Adam Silver, expressed his dismay over the situation, stating he was “deeply disturbed” by the charges.

As the Blazers navigate this unexpected crisis, all eyes will be on how the team responds in the coming games. The first test will be against the Warriors, a critical matchup that could set the tone for the season ahead. Fans and players alike are eager to see if Splitter can steer the team through this turbulence and focus on what lies ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.