The FBI has reportedly arrested Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups as part of a widening federal investigation into illegal sports gambling.
According to multiple reports, including ESPN, FBI agents took Billups into custody early Thursday.
Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier arrested
The arrest comes amid a broader probe led by the Eastern District of New York. Officials are set to announce “numerous arrests” connected to illegal sports betting and poker operations.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was also arrested Thursday morning, with prosecutors expected to reveal additional names during a 10 a.m. ET press conference.
The Department of Justice described the case as “multi-layered,” involving federal indictments and cross-state betting activity.
While the full details of Billups’ alleged involvement remain unclear, ESPN insider Pablo Torre reported that the 2004 Finals MVP is “part of the FBI investigation.”
The same operation reportedly examined betting patterns linked to Malik Beasley, who faced investigation earlier this year after sportsbooks detected unusual prop wager movement during his 2023–24 season.
It follows months of heightened scrutiny across American sports.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has yet to comment on the arrests but has previously called gambling integrity “a non-negotiable issue.”
Separate charges for Gilbert Arenas
The Billups development comes just months after former Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas faced charges in a separate gambling case in California.
Federal prosecutors allege that Arenas, 43, helped run an illegal high-stakes poker ring out of his Los Angeles mansion between 2021 and 2022.
Prosecutors charged the three-time All-Star with operating an illegal gambling business, making false statements to investigators, and conspiracy.
Prosecutors claim the games drew celebrities, professional gamblers, and guests invited through intermediaries linked to organized crime figures.
Arenas pleaded not guilty and secured release on a $50,000 bond. His trial begins in September.
In court filings, investigators included a poker table with his likeness and the words “Arenas Poker Club” as evidence. Prosecutors say the operation took a rake from each game, violating state law directly.
Arenas, who previously served probation for a 2010 firearm charge, now faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
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