An FBI investigation has led to the arrest of dozens of people, including NBA player Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups.The arrests are part of a major federal investigation into illegal sports betting and poker games linked to the mafia that stole millions of dollars from victims.

Both Rozier and Billups deny the allegations. The NBA said it has suspended both men while the investigation continues, calling the situation very serious and emphasizing that the integrity of the game is its top priority.

NBA Under Fire for Betting Scandal

Terry Rozier, 31, a Miami Heat player, was arrested with five others for illegal betting. Prosecutors say some NBA players faked injuries to affect bets. Rozier is accused of leaving a 2023 game early when he played for the Charlotte Hornets so his friends could make money. They bet over $200,000 that he would score less, and because he played only nine minutes and scored five points instead of his usual 21, his friends won tens of thousands of dollars.

Rozier’s lawyer, James Trusty, denied the claims, saying the case is based on unreliable sources instead of real proof. Rozier was released on bail after using his $6 million Florida home as collateral. Federal prosecutors also said that seven NBA games played between February 2023 and March 2024 are now being investigated for possible betting manipulation.

Mafia and Rigged Poker Games

In a separate case, 31 people, including Chauncey Billups, were charged with running fixed poker games linked to the New York mafia. The operation involved members of the Bonanno, Genovese, and Gambino crime families. Victims were invited to play with former athletes and celebrities in cities like Las Vegas, Miami, Manhattan, and the Hamptons, not knowing the games were rigged.

Officials said the group used marked cards, X-ray tables, and special glasses or contact lenses to cheat. When players lost big, mafia members threatened or pressured them to pay. The scam reportedly stole more than $7 million from its victims.

“Your Luck Has Run Out” Says Prosecutor

At a news conference in New York, FBI Director Kash Patel said the investigation was large and covered 11 states over several years, involving tens of millions of dollars in fraud and theft. US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr warned the suspects that their luck had run out and called it one of the biggest sports corruption cases since betting became legal in the US.

Chauncey Billups’s lawyer, Chris Heywood, said his client will strongly fight the charges. As the new NBA season begins, the league is facing more questions about gambling, fairness, and how much betting may be affecting the game. Federal officials said this case could be just the start of a much bigger investigation.