Chauncey Billups was arrested on Thursday, October 23, by federal agents as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal betting, in which the Portland Trail Blazers head coach is deeply implicated.
Now, an old photograph has surfaced showing Billups playing poker with two associates who are also facing charges from authorities.
The high-profile figures involved: Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups, and Damond Jones
Terry Rozier, a Miami Heat guard, was taken into custody at an Orlando hotel where the team was staying ahead of their game against the Magic. Alongside him, Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Trail Blazers, and Damond Jones, a former player and current assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, were arrested for their alleged roles in a sprawling illegal gambling scheme. The investigation also points to several fixed poker games reportedly backed by powerful mafia families in New York.
Authorities have confirmed that 31 additional individuals connected to the operation were also arrested. Investigators estimate that approximately $10 million was circulated through these illicit betting and poker networks. In the wake of the scandal, both the Heat and the Trail Blazers suspended the personnel involved pending further review of the case.
The resurfaced photo showing Chauncey Billups playing poker with the accused
The Daily Mail published a revealing image showing the now-former Trail Blazers coach sitting at a poker table with two of his alleged partners in crime. The photo captures Billups alongside Sophia “Pookie” Wei and professional poker player Saul Becher, both of whom have been named in the federal probe.
According to reports, the picture dates back several months and was allegedly taken during one of the high-stakes poker nights organized by the group. Authorities claim these gatherings were used as fronts for laundering large sums of money tied to illegal sports wagers and rigged games.
Chauncey Billups could face harsh punishment from the NBA
The NBA, like other major professional leagues in the United States, enforces severe penalties for any violations of its gambling regulations. League rules explicitly prohibit players, coaches, and staff from engaging in any betting-related activities, either directly or indirectly.
It is worth recalling the case of Shane Pinto of the Ottawa Senators, who was suspended for 41 games for betting on sports events. That precedent has raised speculation that the league might impose an even harsher sanction on Rozier and Billups, given the gravity and scope of the accusations against them.
If found guilty on all charges, both men could face lifetime bans from professional basketball, marking one of the most damaging scandals in recent NBA history.
Read the full article here
