Chauncey Billups Enters Not Guilty Plea in Gambling Charges
In a surprising development in the world of basketball and sports gambling, Chauncey Billups, the esteemed head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and a recognized Hall of Fame player, has entered a not guilty plea in response to charges linked to a gambling operation allegedly orchestrated in conjunction with members of organized crime. Billups, a celebrated figure in the NBA for his achievements, including a championship with the Detroit Pistons, faced arraignment in a federal court located in New York City on accusations of both money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy. If convicted, he could potentially face up to two decades in prison.
Details of the Case
Billups is among a broader group of over 30 individuals implicated in a sweeping federal crackdown on illegal betting involving professional sports, with several co-defendants also facing charges of running an unlawful gambling enterprise and extortion activities. Following the announcement of the indictments on October 23, Billups’s attorney, Chris Heywood, defended his client, asserting that Billups is a “man of integrity” and challenging the government’s allegations. He emphasized,
“To believe that Chauncey Billups would risk his Hall of Fame legacy and personal freedom over a card game is unfathomable.”
During a brief appearance in court, Billups, dressed in formal attire, responded only to the judge’s basic inquiries. Since his initial appearance in Portland, he has been released on bond. Prosecutors have detailed that the 49-year-old, who was legally inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame last year, was reportedly involved in a system designed to rig high-stakes poker games connected to Mafia figures across various cities, including New York, Miami, Las Vegas, and the Hamptons.
Involvement of Other Notable Figures
Among the other notable figures included in the case is former NBA player Damon Jones, who allegedly participated in this complex scheme utilizing advanced technology to manipulate game outcomes, including modified shuffling machines and hidden surveillance systems. In conjunction with a separate scheme, Jones and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier faced accusations regarding the exploitation of insider information to gain an advantage in wagering on NBA games.
The prosecutors estimate that the illegal poker games orchestrated by these networks scammed victims to the tune of approximately $7 million since at least 2019. Billups was purportedly utilized as a high-profile lure to attract affluent players, with some victims reportedly being overly enamored by his celebrity status. For example, during one of the poker games, it was noted that a victim seemed particularly eager to part with his funds because he was starstruck by Billups’s presence.
Financial Allegations and Criminal Connections
Further allegations from the prosecution indicate that Billups, whose career earnings total around $106 million, received financial benefits amounting to $50,000 from one of the rigged games in 2020. Additionally, the operation was reportedly obligated to funnel a share of its profits to major mob families in New York — namely, the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonanno families — for permission to conduct their illicit activities. These criminal organizations engaged in violent methods, including assaults and threats, to ensure debts were settled and business remained profitable.
Billups’s Basketball Legacy
Billups’s journey in professional basketball began with being drafted third overall in 1997 by the Boston Celtics after a standout stint in college basketball at Colorado. Over his 17-year NBA career, he played for numerous teams, establishing himself as a clutch performer and earning the beloved nickname “Mr. Big Shot” in Detroit. He was named the Finals MVP during the Pistons’ championship run in 2004 and officially secured his legacy when his number one jersey was retired by the franchise.
After stepping away from playing in 2014, Billups transitioned to a career as a television analyst before taking on coaching duties. He started as coach of the Trail Blazers in 2021 and received a contract extension earlier in 2023, despite the team’s struggles in the playoffs. Following his recent legal troubles, the organization placed him on unpaid leave and appointed assistant coach Tiago Splitter to serve as the interim head coach during this tumultuous period.
