US authorities announced multiple arrests on Thursday, including that of Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier, in an ongoing investigation into illegal sports betting. Both individuals were apprehended after their teams’ games on Wednesday as part of a larger inquiry that has led to two indictments. These involve allegations that players are faking injuries to affect betting outcomes and a separate illegal poker ring connected to organized crime.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the allegations as significant, with the first case, dubbed “operation nothing but bet,” claiming players and associates manipulated bets using insider information. The Police Commissioner for New York City has stated that some players are accused of deliberately altering their game performance to ensure payoffs on bets, which reportedly yielded substantial profits.
The second indictment involves a more intricate scheme tied to four of New York’s five major crime families, which purportedly involved illegal poker games where victims were misled into playing against former professional athletes. Techniques used included sophisticated technology to rig games, and authorities have been investigating these poker operations since 2019 across various locations including the Hamptons and Las Vegas.
A total of 34 individuals have been indicted in connection with the two fraud schemes, with Rozier being one of six players reportedly faking injuries. In another notable arrest, former NBA player Damon Jones was charged for his involvement in games associated with these allegations.
The NBA has stated it is reviewing the federal indictments and cooperating with law enforcement, placing both Rozier and Billups on immediate leave from their respective teams. This incident has raised questions about the integrity of the league amidst ongoing concerns regarding gambling and organized crime.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpv1rkxjyyno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss