Chauncey Billups, the former NBA star and current head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, has found himself at the center of a major legal storm. On October 23, 2025, Billups was arraigned in a federal courtroom in Portland on charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. The indictment, unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, alleges that Billups was part of a sophisticated poker game scheme involving organized crime families and high-stakes gambling.
This article delves into the details of the Chauncey Billups indictment, the allegations against him, and the broader implications for the NBA and the world of sports betting.
The Allegations Against Chauncey Billups
According to the indictment, Billups was part of a criminal conspiracy involving illegal poker games rigged with advanced technology. The scheme, which involved members of the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families, targeted wealthy individuals who were lured into high-stakes games under the guise of playing against professional athletes.
The indictment states that Billups and other defendants used altered shuffling machines, electronic poker chip trays, and special contact lenses or sunglasses to read card values. These tools allowed them to manipulate the outcomes of the games and defraud victims of millions of dollars.
Billups was specifically linked to a rigged poker game in Las Vegas in April 2019, where victims lost at least $50,000. He is also identified as one of the “Face Cards” in the scheme, a term used to describe professional athletes who were recruited to attract victims to the games.
The Legal Proceedings
On the day of his arraignment, Billups appeared in court wearing a brown sweatshirt and gray pants. He only responded with a single “Yes” when asked if he understood his right to remain silent. Judge Jolie A. Russo granted him release on the condition that he remain in Oregon and Colorado and surrender his passport. He is required to post a substantial bond in the Eastern District of New York, where the case was originally filed.
Billups is scheduled to appear in federal court in New York on November 24. During this time, he is prohibited from gambling or contacting other defendants in the case.
His attorney, Chris Heywood, declined to comment after the hearing. However, he emphasized that the allegations should not be taken as proof of guilt, stating, “Folks shouldn’t draw any conclusions like this.”
The Broader Scandal
The indictment involves over 30 defendants, including other former NBA players such as Damon Jones, who is also charged with participation in both schemes. The FBI and U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella described the operation as “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online sports betting became widely legalized in the United States.”
The scandal has sent shockwaves through the NBA, which has placed Billups on immediate leave. The team has appointed Tiago Splitter as the interim head coach while the investigation continues. In a statement, the Trail Blazers said, “We are aware of the allegations involving head coach Chauncey Billups, and the Trail Blazers are fully cooperating with the investigation.”
The Financial Impact
The poker scheme allegedly caused losses of at least $7.15 million to victims. While it is unclear how much Billups personally earned from the scheme, his earnings as an NBA player and coach have been substantial. As a five-time NBA All-Star, Billups made over $106 million during his 17-year career. In the 2024-2025 season, he earned $4.7 million as the head coach of the Trail Blazers.
The case also highlights the growing risks associated with the legal sports-betting industry, which has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. With billions of dollars in wagers being placed annually, the potential for fraud and manipulation remains a concern for regulators and law enforcement.
The Role of Organized Crime
The indictment reveals that the poker scheme was backed by La Cosa Nostra (LCN) crime families, including the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese families. These groups allegedly provided protection and took a percentage of the proceeds from the games. They also used threats and violence to ensure that victims paid their debts.
According to court documents, members of the LCN committed acts of assault, extortion, and robbery to maintain control over the operation. For example, in 2022, Ernest Aiello, Julius Ziliani, and Thomas Gelardo extorted a victim by punching him to get him to repay a gambling debt. In 2023, Saul Becher, Zhen Hu, and Seth Trustman threatened another victim to secure repayment.
Other NBA Players Involved
While Billups is the most prominent figure in the indictment, he is not the only NBA player implicated in the case. Former player Terry Rozier, now with the Miami Heat, was also arrested and charged with participating in a separate scheme involving fraudulent sports bets.
Rozier is accused of manipulating his performance in games to rig prop bets, allowing gamblers to profit. One instance involved him leaving a game early in 2023, citing an injury, which allowed bettors to place wagers that resulted in significant profits.
The NBA has stated that it is cooperating with authorities and taking the allegations seriously. “The integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the league said in a statement.
Public Reaction and Community Response
The news of Billups’ arrest has sparked a mix of reactions from fans, former teammates, and community leaders. Many have expressed disbelief and disappointment, given his long-standing reputation as a respected figure in the basketball community.
Rev. Leon Kelly, who has known Billups since his youth in Denver, called him a “great inspiration and role model.” He added, “There’s a lot of disbelief. There’s a lot of people like me who say ‘let’s wait and see…’”
Despite the allegations, many believe that Billups deserves the benefit of the doubt until the legal process concludes. His lawyer, Chris Heywood, has urged the public to avoid jumping to conclusions.
What’s Next?
As the legal proceedings continue, the case will likely draw further scrutiny from the media, fans, and the NBA itself. The outcome of the trial could have lasting implications for Billups’ career and the league’s reputation.
For now, the focus remains on the evidence presented in the indictment and the actions of those involved in the scheme. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has emphasized that the charges are allegations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Conclusion
The Chauncey Billups indictment is a complex and far-reaching case that touches on issues of sports integrity, organized crime, and the challenges of regulating the growing sports betting industry. As the legal battle unfolds, the NBA and its fans will be watching closely to see how this scandal impacts the league and its future.
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