In one of the most stunning mornings in recent NBA memory, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat and Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, in connection with a sweeping illegal sports-betting and poker-scheme investigation.
What began months ago as whispers of suspicious wagers has now erupted into a full-scale federal scandal, one that could reshape how the league deals with gambling, integrity, and the new era of legalized sports wagering.
Rozier was taken into custody early Thursday in Orlando, according to multiple reports. Billups, meanwhile, was detained in Portland just hours later. Both arrests were carried out as part of a coordinated federal sweep targeting what investigators describe as “a multi-state, underground wagering operation with connections to professional sports.”
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested early Thursday morning as part of an FBI sports betting gambling probe, sources tell ESPN. The Eastern District of New York and FBI director Kash Patel will hold a press conference at 10 am ET to announce arrests from investigation.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 23, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has been arrested by the FBI for alleged illegal gambling, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 23, 2025
This is not the first time Rozier’s name has appeared in a betting context. Back in early 2025, federal monitors flagged unusual betting patterns around a 2023 Hornets game, where large sums were placed on Rozier’s unders, bets predicting he would perform below expectations.
At the time, both the NBA and sportsbooks investigated the case internally but found no direct evidence linking Rozier to wrongdoing. Thursday’s arrest, however, suggests the federal investigation continued quietly behind the scenes — and may have uncovered new information.
The arrest of Chauncey Billups has sent shockwaves through NBA circles. Once celebrated as the ultimate floor general and a model of professionalism, Billups now faces serious allegations that could tarnish a stellar legacy.
The details of Billups’ alleged involvement remain unclear. Early reports suggest his arrest may be linked to illegal poker games, financial transactions and communications with individuals tied to offshore betting accounts.
This scandal cuts to the heart of the NBA’s modern identity. The league has embraced legal sports betting more aggressively than any other major U.S. sport, striking deals with sportsbooks, integrating live odds into broadcasts, and encouraging fan engagement through wagering apps.
Now, that same proximity to gambling has created an ethical minefield.
