US authorities announced several high-profile arrests on Thursday, including of a star player and a coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA), for alleged illegal sports betting. Among those in custody are Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier, both of whom were reportedly arrested after their teams' games on Wednesday.
The arrests are part of a sweeping investigation into illegal gambling that produced two indictments, the FBI said — one into players who are allegedly faking injuries to influence betting odds, and another involving an illegal poker ring tied to organised crime.
What are the allegations?
FBI Director Kash Patel described the allegations to reporters as mind-boggling. They include indictments in two major cases, officials said, both involving fraud.
The first case is called operation nothing but bet, in which players and associates allegedly used insider information to manipulate wagers on major sports betting platforms. In some cases, players altered their performance or took themselves out of games to ensure those bets were paid out, according to New York City police commissioner Jessica Tisch. Those bets amounted to tens of thousands of dollars in profits.
The second case is more complex in nature, involving four of the five major crime families in New York as well as professional athletes. The accused in that case are alleged to have participated in a scheme to rig illegal poker games and steal millions of dollars, utilizing sophisticated technology like X-ray tables that could read face-down cards.
Which players have been arrested?
Authorities say 34 defendants were indicted on charges related to the two fraud cases. Among them, six were charged in the first case for allegedly faking injuries to influence betting odds, including Terry Rozier. Former NBA player Damon Jones was also arrested for involvement in games tied to the scheme.
The second case relating to illegal poker games involved numerous defendants, including Coach Billups. Authorities uncovered a scheme involving theft, robbery, and extortion that spanned over multiple states.
What has the NBA said about the allegations?
The NBA is currently reviewing the federal indictments. Both Rozier and Billups have been placed on immediate leave from their teams as the league emphasizes its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game.
Who are New York's notorious 'Five Families'?
The investigations link back to four of New York's infamous crime families - Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese, and Colombo. Despite significant law enforcement efforts in the past, these families continue to exert influence over illegal gambling operations.
