Billups, Rozier Arrested in Mafia-Linked Probe

Federal prosecutors and the FBI arrested Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, former player/assistant Damon Jones and others on a sprawling indictment accusing a mafia-backed illegal gambling and rigged-poker operation that used hacked shuffling machines, hidden cameras and data relays. Defendants face charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, and prosecutors say the scheme defrauded victims of millions across Manhattan and satellite sites and could prompt additional arrests. Prosecutors allege Rozier tipped bettors using confidential NBA information — citing a March 23, 2023 Hornets‑Pelicans prop wager that drew about $200,000 — and say Billups profited from the underground rigged-poker ring. Billups and Rozier were released on bond and have been placed on leave by the NBA; Portland named Tiago Splitter interim coach and Billups faces an upcoming New York court date. DOJ unsealed evidence and filings as part of the indictments, and the probe remains open.