An FBI investigation into alleged gambling scandals sent shockwaves through both the NBA and NFL this week. The allegations have swept up several prominent figures across professional sports, raising serious questions about the integrity of high-stakes poker games that may have been far from fair.
According to multiple reports, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Damon Jones were arrested for their roles in what authorities describe as rigged poker games.
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While former NFL tight end Antonio Gates wasn’t taken into custody, his name has surfaced in connection with the investigation.
The claim came forward through Pablo Torre on his “Pablo Finds Out” podcast, suggesting Gates may have organized a manipulated poker event similar to what Billups now faces allegations over.
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“Pro Football Hall-of-Famer and former Chargers tight end Antonio Gates hosted — and played in — an allegedly rigged Miami poker game, sources with direct knowledge tell @pablofindsout, that was organized by Curtis Meeks. Meeks was indicted by the federal government Thursday,” Torre reported on Sunday afternoon.
🚨➕ Pro Football Hall-of-Famer and former Chargers tight end Antonio Gates hosted — and played in — an allegedly rigged Miami poker game, sources with direct knowledge tell @pablofindsout, that was organized by Curtis Meeks. Meeks was indicted by the federal government Thursday.
— Pablo Torre 👀 (@PabloTorre) October 26, 2025
Reports indicate the defendants used advanced tech tools to manipulate poker games and tilt the odds in their favor. Having a Hall of Famer at the table was allegedly part of the pitch, serving as a clever lure to draw players into high-stakes matches that may not have been as fair as they seemed.
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Antonio Gates at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 press conference at the Saenger Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Gates, 45, spent his entire NFL career with the San Diego Chargers from 2003 to 2018, leaving behind one of the league’s most remarkable résumés. A five-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler, he earned a spot on the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team and officially entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this year.
Despite the recent headlines, Gates hasn’t been named in any court filings or accused of wrongdoing. He now represents the organization as a Legends Ambassador, continuing his long connection with the team he helped define over a 16-year career.
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