Former Detroit Pistons guard and current Portland Trailblazers coach Chauncey Billups was arrested Thursday morning in connection with a federal probe focused on gambling, according to numerous reports.
ABC News reports Billups, 49, is charged in an illegal poker operation tied to the Mafia.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was also arrested and charged on Thursday in a “separate but related illegal gambling case” related to using inside information to place unlawful wagers on the NBA.
In total, there are 31 people in custody in relation to the gambling investigation, per a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney for Eastern New York.
More information is set to be announced Thursday morning by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn and FBI director Kash Patel at a press conference.
Before starting his coaching career as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers and becoming head coach of the Trail Blazers in 2021, Billups enjoyed a Hall-of-Fame 17-year playing career.
The five-time NBA All-Star had stints with the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Clippers and primarily with the Pistons.
Billups signed with the Pistons in 2002 and became one of the key members of their last golden era with six straight playoff appearances and the crowning moment of the 2004 NBA Championship.
After averaging 21 points, 5.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals, while shooting 50.1% on field goals, 47.1% on three-pointers and 92.9% for free throws, Billups was named NBA Finals MVP.
In eight years with the Pistons, Billups played 593 total games, was named to an All-NBA team twice and All-Defensive Second Team twice. After a few years away from the team, Billups returned in 2013 to conclude his career and have his No. 1 jersey retired by the organization.
A Denver, Colorado native, Billups was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024.
Billups was arrested in Oregon Thursday morning. He coached the Trail Blazers in their season opener Wednesday night in Portland.
Billups will appear in federal court in Portland later on Thursday, but will be arraigned in Brooklyn, N.Y., at a later date.
This is a developing story.
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