The NBA world was rocked by the arrests of Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and others on Thursday. At the end of a long investigation, the FBI arrested several people on account of illegal gambling activity. Billups, Rozier, and Damon Jones were allegedly involved in rigging sports betting, while the Blazers’ head coach was also apparently rigging poker games.
As per Marca, Billups is worth $35 million. According to Hollywood Life, Rozier is worth $50 million. None of these men is particularly wanting for money. This has led to many fans questioning why they got involved in such activities. And it’s exactly why NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal didn’t mince his words when criticizing them.
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MORE: Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier set for Thursday release following FBI arrest
Shaquille O'Neal on the NBA betting scandal: "Innocent until proven guilty, but usually when the FBI has something, they have you… They'll wait two, three, four, five years. But when they come knocking on your door, they have something…" #NBA #InsidetheNBA pic.twitter.com/tFHnxEoemu
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 23, 2025
“We all know the NBA letter of the law when it comes to gambling,” Shaq said. “I know Chauncey [Billups], I know Damon [Jones] very well. I’m ashamed that those guys would put their families and their careers in jeopardy. If you’re making $9 million, how much more do you need? There’s an old saying in the hood, ‘All money ain’t good money.’ ”
Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups reacts during a time-out in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Image
This whole operation has been heavily linked with the mafia. As more details are revealed, it’s only likely to get murkier. It will also likely end any future NBA prospects for Billups, Rozier, and Jones. They will be lucky if they avoid jail time, and it’s hard to disagree with Shaq when he says they should feel shame.
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