Portland Trail Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups Arrested in FBI Gambling Probe

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested as part of a massive FBI investigation into a multi-million dollar illegal gambling ring tied to organized crime, including rigged poker games backed by the Mafia. Billups faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering and is accused of acting as a "fish" to attract players to rigged underground poker games. The investigation also led to the arrest of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and over 30 other individuals linked to the scheme. Following Billups' arrest, the Trail Blazers have placed him on immediate leave and named assistant coach Tiago Splitter as interim head coach. The FBI and NBA have emphasized the seriousness of these allegations and their commitment to preserving the integrity of the league. Billups had signed a multiyear contract extension in April but will not coach the team for the foreseeable future as the probe continues.