The NBA was rocked Thursday morning after Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were arrested by federal authorities as part of an ongoing FBI sports betting and gambling investigation, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Charania reported that Rozier was taken into custody around 6 a.m. in Orlando, Florida, where the Heat played the night before, while Billups was arrested simultaneously in Portland, Oregon. Both arrests are part of a sweeping probe led by the Eastern District of New York and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
A press conference led by FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled for later, where officials are expected to announce the first wave of arrests linked to the federal investigation.
According to Charania’s report on ESPN’s Get Up, Rozier’s arrest is connected to alleged involvement in sports gambling and prop betting, while Billups is reportedly facing allegations tied to an illegal poker operation linked to mafia. The FBI has reportedly been investigating Rozier’s case for more than two years, while Billups’ alleged involvement came to light in recent months.
“This is seismic news in the NBA for a sitting head coach in Chauncey Billups to be taken into custody for alleged illegal gambling, and Terry Rozier for sports betting,” Charania said during his appearance.
The NBA was reportedly unaware of the arrests prior to Thursday morning, as the FBI conducted its operation independently. While the league has previously investigated Rozier for gambling-related activity, he was cleared to play following an internal review, according to Charania.
Billups, a former NBA Finals MVP and respected head coach, was entering his fourth season in Portland. His sudden arrest comes as the Trail Blazers were preparing for their home opener.
Rozier, 30, has been one of the Heat’s key backcourt contributors since arriving in Miami last season. He appeared in Wednesday night’s game before being arrested early Thursday.
Federal officials have not yet announced formal charges, but multiple outlets, including ABC News and ESPN, have reported that additional arrests connected to the investigation are expected.
The NBA, Miami Heat, and Portland Trail Blazers have not yet issued public statements regarding the arrests.
This development follows increased federal scrutiny over sports betting within professional leagues, particularly after former Raptors forward Jontay Porter was banned for life earlier this year for gambling violations.
