In brief
Chauncey Billups, the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and a Hall of Fame player, has been charged with money laundering and wire fraud in connection with a scheme to rig poker games associated with Mafia figures. Billups, along with other defendants, is scheduled to appear in court to discuss procedural matters and the case's progression. His attorney argues that Billups, known for his integrity and successful basketball legacy, would never jeopardize his reputation for gambling.
NEW YORK (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, a basketball Hall of Famer, is set to appear in a New York court facing charges of profiting from rigged poker games linked to Mafia figures and at least one former NBA player.
The five-time NBA All-Star is scheduled for arraignment in Brooklyn federal court on money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges. Billups' attorney asserts his client is a 'man of integrity' and vehemently denies the accusations, questioning the logic of jeopardizing such a respected legacy for poker games.
Billups is among over 30 individuals charged in a recent federal crackdown on illegal gambling operations connected with professional sports. Other defendants are also expected to appear in court on the same date, where procedural discussions will occur regarding the case.
According to prosecutors, the 49-year-old Hall of Famer was part of a scheme that defrauded victims of approximately $7 million, exploiting his celebrity status to attract affluent participants to rigged poker games across several cities.
His involvement as a 'face card' helped mislead victims, some of whom are said to have been starstruck and more willing to lose their money. Evidence suggests money wired to him directly following one of these games includes sums of up to $50,000.
The game's operation reportedly shared profits with organized crime syndicates, and Mafia figures allegedly enforced debts through violence and intimidation.
Billups, who enjoyed a stellar NBA career after being drafted third overall in 1997, is revered for his clutch performances, notably leading the Detroit Pistons to a championship. After a successful playing career, he transitioned to coaching, recently receiving a contract extension with the Trail Blazers.
In light of the charges, Billups has been placed on unpaid leave while assistant coach Tiago Splitter has stepped in as interim coach.
This case raises questions about integrity in sports betting, as the NBA conducts its own review following recent gambling-related arrests involving other players.
