Chauncey Billups, the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, is among several individuals charged in a separate illegal poker operation alleged to have connections to the Mafia, according to officials. Federal prosecutor Joseph Nocella Jr. informed reporters that these poker games were a ‘confidence scheme’ where players were ‘rigged from the start’ using devices to shuffle cards and X-ray players’ hands. Prosecutors claim the scheme also involved professional basketball players. The games commenced in 2019 and took place in locations such as the Hamptons, Manhattan, Las Vegas, and Miami. The illegal operation reportedly generated ‘millions of dollars in profits,’ with an estimated $7 million coming from gambling activities alone.
The NYPD and FBI led a two-year investigation, as stated by Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Officials reported that if players failed to cover their gambling losses, members of organized crime groups allegedly resorted to intimidation and violence. ‘Today, we announce dozens of arrests for massive corruption in our city’s underground poker and gambling circles,’ stated NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
‘The arrestees come from all walks of life — including some we would never expect to be in this room today.’ FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the extensive nature of the sports crime involved, noting ‘millions of dollars in fraud, theft, and highway robbery.’ Billups, who previously played in the NBA for 17 seasons, is known for his six All-Star Game appearances and for winning the NBA Championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004, where he was named Finals MVP. FBI assistant director Christopher Raia described the criminal charges as a ‘civil takedown’ involving 34 defendants linked to two interrelated illegal gambling and poker operations.