In a shocking development, several high-profile figures from the National Basketball Association (NBA), including Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, have been arrested as part of a multi-year investigation into alleged fraud and organized crime. The arrests, announced by US authorities on Thursday, stem from two major cases involving illegal sports betting and an elaborate poker scam tied to New York’s infamous crime families. The FBI revealed that the investigation uncovered schemes where NBA players allegedly faked injuries to manipulate betting odds and participated in rigged poker games that stole millions of dollars. Authorities described the operation as ‘mind-boggling,’ with sophisticated technology like marked cards, X-ray tables, and crypto currency laundering playing key roles. The alleged crimes spanned 11 states and involved 34 defendants, including members of the Bonanno, Genovese, and Gambino crime families. Rozier, accused of tipping off associates about his planned early exit from a game, and Billups, a Hall of Famer, are among those indicted. The NBA has placed both on immediate leave, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game. This case highlights the enduring influence of organized crime in the US, particularly the Five Families of New York, which have roots dating back to 1931.
NBA injuries, x-ray poker tables and the mafia: What we know about gambling arrests
