The FBI has launched a major operation in the United States against illegal betting and mafia-run poker fraud networks, arresting 37 people, including a basketball star and a coach.
According to an international report by the BBC, the arrests have drawn significant attention across the sports world.
Federal prosecutors confirmed that among the detainees are Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups.
The BBC reported that Rozier, 31, and five others were arrested on charges of manipulating betting markets, while Billups and 31 others were detained for participating in illegal poker games. The network is allegedly linked to former NBA players and New York’s notorious mafia families.
Prosecutors revealed that four of New York’s five major crime families had ties to the syndicate, which ran a large-scale fraud operation by luring famous athletes into poker games and cheating them out of millions of dollars. Advanced technology was used in these scams — including special contact lenses and glasses that could read marked cards, and even X-ray tables that allowed players to see cards through the surface.
In a statement, the NBA said it is reviewing the allegations and has placed both Rozier and Billups on temporary leave. “We take these allegations very seriously. Preserving the integrity of the sport remains our highest priority,” the league said.
Rozier’s lawyer, however, denied the allegations, telling CBS News, “Terry is not a gambler. He will fight this case in court and prove his innocence.”
Rozier appeared in an Orlando, Florida court on Thursday and was released on bail after posting his $6 million home as security.
Billups, arrested in Portland, will also appear in court, where local media report he will attempt to post a large bail for his release.
Khabarwala/TSN
