Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups, former NBA star and current head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, were arrested on Thursday as part of a federal gambling investigation. The FBI confirmed that Rozier was taken into custody in Orlando, Florida. Details about Billups’ arrest location remain unclear, but the Trail Blazers recently played in Portland.
This case also involves members of organized crime, with several individuals expected to face charges related to illegal gambling. An FBI spokesperson mentioned that more information about the charges will be released soon.
Rozier, who joined the Heat in 2024 from the Charlotte Hornets, is a ten-year NBA veteran and was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2015. It’s uncertain which specific charges he might face. His agent, Aaron Turner, has not provided comment yet.
Billups is well-known in the basketball community, having been inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024. He enjoyed a stellar playing career, highlighted by winning an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004, where he earned the nickname “Mr. Big Shot.”
This recent arrest follows a trend of investigations into gambling involving NBA players. Just a few months ago, Gilbert Arenas was arrested for allegedly running illegal poker games. Additionally, Jontay Porter faced a lifetime ban from the NBA for betting on games and sharing confidential information.
The growing focus on gambling within the NBA raises questions about the league’s integrity and the pressures athletes face. A recent survey indicated that nearly 55% of players believe gambling poses a significant risk to their careers. The league has begun implementing stricter guidelines, but challenges remain as the industry evolves.
For further updates, stay tuned. For more information on the implications of gambling in sports, the NBA has outlined its policies on their official site here.