These individuals are clearly crossing the line. Three NBA figures, including Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, have been charged in two significant federal gambling investigations. The details are astonishing, involving rigged high-stakes poker games and alleged insider betting on NBA games, making this scandal resemble a real-life crime thriller.
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Billups & Jones Allegedly Involved in Rigged Mob Games
The indictment unsealed Thursday in Brooklyn federal court claims the mob compensated Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones to serve as “face cards.” They allegedly used the pair to attract high-stakes players to poker games rigged with X-ray card tables, special glasses, and other cheating devices. The indictments mention notorious mob figures, including Thomas “Tommy Juice” Gelardo, known for collecting gambling debts through intimidation, and Nicholas “Fat Nick” Minucci, an alleged Gambino associate with a violent history.
Billups Under Scrutiny in NBA Gambling Investigation
Moreover, the second indictment indicates that conspirators utilized insider information to place bets on the Lakers, Raptors, Hornets, and Trail Blazers. Authorities have identified Billups as “Co-Conspirator 8” for allegedly leaking information that the Blazers intended to lose their March 24, 2023 game. These leaked insights reportedly enabled gamblers to achieve substantial payouts. One case allegedly connects four of the five Mafia families to a rigged high-stakes poker operation, while the other reportedly involves insider betting on LeBron James and four NBA teams.
Players Arrested as 31 Individuals Face Charges
Billups, who earned $106 million during his playing career and $4.7 million coaching the Blazers, was arrested in Oregon Thursday morning. Additionally, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cavaliers player Damon Jones are facing charges for allegedly providing insider information. Authorities have charged 31 individuals nationwide in connection with the rigged poker operations. Furthermore, these illegal activities reportedly occurred in Manhattan, the Hamptons, Miami, and Las Vegas. Officials state that these conspiracies lasted for years, generated over $7 million in illegal profits, and involved the Bonanno, Genovese, Lucchese, and Gambino families.
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