A sprawling federal investigation has unveiled a sophisticated underground poker scheme that has ensnared former NBA players, coaches, and organized crime figures.
Known as “Operation Royal Flush,” the probe has already led to over 30 arrests, including Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups. The scandal has sent shockwaves through the sports world, raising questions about both the integrity of professional basketball and the involvement of high-profile athletes in illicit gambling networks.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the scheme involved advanced cheating methods, including X-ray poker tables, rigged shuffling machines, and specialized contact lenses that allowed participants to read marked cards.
These games were hosted in exclusive venues across Las Vegas, Manhattan, and the Hamptons, drawing wealthy players and high-profile sports figures alike. Victims were often unaware they were playing in rigged games, resulting in millions of dollars in losses.
While some of the arrested individuals, like Billups, have direct charges tied to the operation, the investigation has also drawn attention to other NBA figures who may have attended the games. One of those talked-about names is former NBA star Kevin Garnett.
Kevin Garnett’s alleged involvement
Investigative journalist Pablo Torre reported that Garnett participated in a private poker game in 2019, organized by individuals later indicted in the scandal. Importantly, Torre’s reporting makes no claim that Garnett was involved in cheating or orchestrating the rigged games.
Instead, he may have been present simply as a participant. Torre also noted that a number of former professional athletes were involved in these private poker events, suggesting that more names could surface as the investigation continues.
Garnett was not among those arrested, and there is no public evidence linking him to criminal activity. However, the FBI’s ongoing investigation, which could take up to a year to conclude, leaves room for additional revelations.
Prosecutors allege that the operation defrauded players and spectators of approximately $7 million, and the involvement of organized crime families, including the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese families, adds layers of complexity to the case.
The scandal has significant implications for the NBA. The league has placed those directly involved, including Billups, on administrative leave and emphasized cooperation with federal authorities. Commissioner Adam Silver has reiterated the NBA’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport, while fans and analysts closely watch as the story develops.
As the investigation progresses, more details may emerge about other athletes who participated in the private games.
Read the full article here
