Insider Betting Scheme and Mafia-Linked Poker Rigging Shock League, Involving Stars Like Terry Rozier and Coach Chauncey Billups

October 23, 2025 | Washington, D.C. - In a sweeping crackdown on sports corruption, the FBI announced Thursday the arrests of more than 30 individuals, including current and former NBA players and coaches, in two interconnected illegal gambling operations. The high-profile sting, dubbed "Operation Full Court Press," exposed an insider betting syndicate and a mafia-orchestrated underground poker ring that allegedly siphoned millions from unsuspecting gamblers.

FBI Director Kash Patel detailed the indictments during a press conference in Philadelphia, emphasizing the bureau's commitment to rooting out corruption in professional sports. "These schemes exploited the integrity of the game we all love, preying on fans and fellow athletes alike," Patel said. The cases, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, mark one of the largest gambling-related busts in U.S. sports history.

The Insider Betting Scandal

At the heart of the operation was a sophisticated insider sports betting ring where NBA personnel allegedly leaked confidential information—such as injury reports and game strategies—to gamblers for profit. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, 31, was among the first high-profile names arrested early Thursday morning at his Miami home. Federal prosecutors claim Rozier shared real-time updates on teammates' conditions during the 2024-25 season, netting co-conspirators over $1.2 million in illicit wagers.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, a Hall of Famer and 2004 NBA champion, faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to the indictment, Billups allegedly coordinated with a network of bookies to place bets on games he coached, using encrypted apps to evade detection. Other implicated figures include retired point guard Jalen Brunson and several lesser-known scouts and trainers.

The betting scheme reportedly operated through offshore platforms and dark web forums, with bets placed on everything from point spreads to player props. "This wasn't casual wagering; it was a calculated assault on the NBA's credibility," said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr., who oversaw the multi-year investigation involving undercover agents posing as high-roller bettors.

Mafia Ties in the Poker Underworld

The second prong of the sting targeted a high-stakes underground poker circuit rigged by organized crime figures from New York and Philadelphia's "La Cosa Nostra" families. FBI agents, infiltrating games held in luxury hotel suites and private clubs, uncovered a plot where players' hands were manipulated through marked cards, electronic signaling devices, and even bribed dealers.

Among the 18 defendants in this case are several NBA affiliates who hosted or participated in the games, blurring lines between the basketball scandal and mob activity. "We followed the money from courtside seats to backroom card tables," Patel explained, noting that wiretaps captured conversations linking the two schemes.

The poker ring alone is accused of defrauding victims of $8.5 million over three years, with proceeds funneled back into sports betting operations. Authorities seized assets including luxury vehicles, jewelry, and cryptocurrency wallets totaling $3.2 million.

NBA's Response and Broader Ramifications

The NBA issued a statement condemning the arrests and pledging full cooperation with federal investigators. "The integrity of our league is paramount, and we are appalled by these allegations," said Commissioner Adam Silver. "We have suspended implicated personnel pending the outcome of legal proceedings and will implement enhanced integrity protocols."

Critics, including gambling addiction advocates, argue the arrests highlight the dark underbelly of rapid expansion. "When stars fall, it normalizes risk for everyday fans," said Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a sports psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania. The FBI's Patel warned that more charges could follow, as the investigation continues to probe ties to other professional leagues.

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