Federal agents have arrested an NBA Hall of Famer on allegations that he was part of a gambling operation with ties to the mafia, a report has alleged.
Chauncey Billups, part of the 2024 Hall of Fame class, was arrested in Oregon on Wednesday night after the Portland Trail Blazers—who he coaches—lost their NBA opener.
Billups, 49, was arrested in connection with an “illegal poker operation tied to the Mafia,” law enforcement sources told ABC News. Other outlets have confirmed his arrest is tied to allegations of illegal gambling.
No other details about the allegations against Billups were immediately available.
The star hooper, who played for eight NBA teams but enjoyed the most success with the Detroit Pistons, was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame last year. He made $106 million in his salary alone as a player, and had netted millions as the Trail Blazers coach for five seasons—earning an extension through the 2028-29 season in April.
Separately, the FBI arrested current Miami Heat player Terry Rozier on Wednesday night in Orlando. The arrest was also made after his team, the Miami Heat, lost their season opener.
Rozier’s arrest is tied to unusual activity as a player tied to sports gambling. The 31-year-old was previously under investigation for unusual betting activity during his time with the Charlotte Hornets in 2023.
This is a developing story that will be updated…
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