NEW YORK (RTW) - Portland Trail Blazers coach and Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups is scheduled to appear in a federal court in Brooklyn to face allegations of profiting from rigged poker games linked to organized crime.
Billups, a five-time NBA All-Star who clinched a championship with the Detroit Pistons, will face charges of money laundering and conspiracy in a case related to a massive federal probe into illegal gambling operations within professional sports.
His attorney, Chris Heywood, asserts that Billups is a “man of integrity” and vehemently denies the accusations. To believe that Chauncey Billups risked his Hall of Fame legacy and reputation for a card game is absurd,” he stated following Billups' indictment announcement on October 23.
Among over 30 individuals charged alongside him, Billups stands out as a prominent figure, and the proceedings are expected to clarify the next steps in his case.
Prosecutors allege that the former player was involved in a scheme involving organized crime that defrauded victims of approximately $7 million starting in 2019. According to court documents, Billups served as a "face card" for the game, drawing in unsuspecting wealthy players. One incident reportedly had a victim "star-struck" by Billups, expressing eagerness to give him money during a game.
Organizers of the scheme exchanged plans that implicated Billups in receiving a portion of the illicit earnings, including a reported $50,000 wired to him after a rigged event.
The operation allegedly cooperated with major Mafia families, leveraging violence and intimidation to ensure payment settlements and uphold the integrity of their illegal operations.
Selected as the third overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, Billups enjoyed a successful 17-year career before transitioning into coaching after retirement. He was signed as head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021 after a successful stint with the Los Angeles Clippers.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Billups has been placed on unpaid leave, with Tiago Splitter serving in an interim coaching capacity.
