National Basketball Association: Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups Among 31 Charged in Betting Probe by FBI
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups have been arrested as part of a federal investigation into sports betting, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, announced on Thursday 777pub. Official documents indicate that 31 individuals have been charged in connection with this case.
FBI Director Kash Patel, along with other law enforcement officials, is set to release further details during a news conference in New York. dear member
The Latest Developments
Chauncey Billups, who had an illustrious playing career with teams such as the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and LA Clippers, won the Joe Dumars Trophy for sportsmanship while playing for the Denver Nuggets in 2009. Now 49 years old, he is currently in his fifth season as the head coach of the Trail Blazers, holding a record of 117 wins and 212 losses your app bonus ₱188 has been distributed to your 88jl member account.
Billups, a five-time All-Star, enjoyed a 17-season NBA career and claimed a championship with Detroit in 2004. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame last year. When Billups was signed as head coach in April, the Trail Blazers did not disclose the terms of the coaching deal. Unfortunately, under his leadership, Portland has missed the postseason for the fourth consecutive year. Despite this, the organization expressed confidence in the team’s future.
“The core of Chauncey’s leadership is his ability to build a collaborative culture and growth mindset for our young team,” stated Blazers chair Jody Allen at the time. Billups himself expressed enthusiasm, saying, “So much promise here. I’m pumped about it. please check!”
A Controversial Night
Social media posts from March 23, 2023, reveal that some bettors were enraged with sportsbooks when it became apparent that Rozier would not return for the Charlotte-New Orleans game after the first quarter. Many users alleged that something “shady” was occurring regarding the prop bets tied to his performance that night.
Prop bets allow gamblers to wager on whether a player will exceed a particular statistical milestone, such as total points, rebounds, or assists. The NBA has raised concerns regarding these types of bets, along with other sports, which worry about the potential for manipulation. Such betting practices have, unfortunately, exposed athletes to harsh criticism from fans both in arenas and online.
Details surrounding the exact charges against Rozier have not yet been disclosed. FBI Director Kash Patel and law enforcement officials were anticipated to provide further information in a Brooklyn press conference on Thursday. Notably, this investigation is being handled by the same U.S gaming apps. attorney’s office in Brooklyn that previously prosecuted former NBA player Jontay Porter, who faces sentencing for charges related to withdrawing early from games under false pretenses to benefit from “prop bets.”
Attempts to reach attorneys for Rozier and Billups for comment were made on Thursday morning. Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, previously informed ESPN that Rozier met with NBA and FBI officials in 2023 and was reportedly told that an initial investigation found no wrongdoing on his part.
Rozier was dressed and present as the Heat faced the Magic in Orlando on Wednesday evening, however, he did not participate in the game. Just hours later, he was taken into custody in Orlando, and the team has yet to comment on his arrest.
Reporting by The Associated Press. What are your thoughts on this developing story?
