Portland Trail Blazers Coach Billups Arrested in Extensive Wire Fraud, Money Laundering Poker Scheme

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested by federal agents on charges including money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy related to a yearslong poker scheme, causing immediate upheaval for the franchise. The arrest came less than 24 hours after the team's promising regular-season opener, throwing the Blazers into a branding and operational crisis amid an ongoing ownership transition and arena uncertainty. The NBA has placed Billups on leave and is cooperating with authorities, while the team is expected to have assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren step in as interim head coach. Despite the scandal, players and staff at the Blazers' practice facility maintained a professional atmosphere, with limited public reaction from players like Damian Lillard and rookie Yang Hansen. Experts note that the arrest complicates the Blazers' efforts to market their brand and maintain momentum during a critical period marked by new ownership and the need for a new arena to secure the team's future in Portland. This incident adds to the franchise's history of setbacks, challenging the progress made during the team's recent rebuild and casting uncertainty on Billups' coaching future.