NEW YORK (AP) — Chauncey Billups, the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and a Hall of Fame player, is set to appear in a New York court facing serious charges related to his alleged involvement in illegal poker games manipulated by organized crime.
Billups, a five-time All-Star and champion with the Detroit Pistons, is facing arraignment in Brooklyn federal court on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. His attorney has publicly defended him, asserting that Billups is a man of integrity who would never jeopardize his Hall of Fame legacy for anything.
The federal investigation has unearthed a web of illegal gambling operations, with Billups identified as a prominent figure among over 30 individuals charged in connection with these schemes. Other defendants are also expected to appear in court for proceedings where the legal teams will determine the next steps.
Federal prosecutors allege that Billups was involved in orchestrating rigged poker games that began as far back as 2019, defrauding victims of an estimated $7 million. They detail how Billups played a pivotal role as an enticing “face card” for these games, potentially drawing in unsuspecting high-stakes players.
During a game, messages indicated one victim, captivated by Billups' celebrity status, acted with naivety, creating opportunities for the scheme's organizers to exploit. Prosecutors claim Billups, who accrued substantial wealth throughout his career, personally benefited from these illicit gains, including a $50,000 wire transfer following a fixed game.
The rigged poker operations allegedly involved collaborations with organized crime families in New York, further complicating the case. The mob figures are said to have exerted violent pressures, employing tactics such as assault and extortion to ensure the success of the gambling endeavors.
Once regarded as “Mr. Big Shot” for his clutch performances on the court, Billups transitioned to a coaching role after retiring from the NBA in 2014. Following his indictment, he was placed on unpaid leave from the Blazers, with assistant coach Tiago Splitter stepping in as interim coach.
The ramifications of this case extend beyond Billups as the NBA grapples with issues surrounding integrity and gambling’s influence on the league.
