Federal gambling charges have rocked the NBA, with Heat guard Terry Rozier, Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, and former player and coach Damon Jones among 34 people arrested in what the FBI called a “historic” bust.
The twin indictments involve an insider sports-betting ring and a series of rigged poker games allegedly tied to four New York Mafia families. Jones was named in both cases.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the scale of the operation as “mind-boggling,” spanning 11 states and millions of dollars.
The probe also cited former Raptor Jontay Porter, who was banned from the NBA in 2024 for gambling-related wire fraud.
Prosecutors say seven NBA games from 2023–2024 were targeted using inside information.
March 23, 2023: Hornets vs. Pelicans – Rozier allegedly told a contact he’d leave early with a fake injury; bettors won about $260,000 wagering against his stats.
March 24, 2023: Blazers vs. Bulls – Gamblers bet $100,000 after learning early that Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic would sit. The tipster’s background matches Billups’.
April 6, 2023: Magic vs. Cavaliers – A bettor used insider ties to wager $11,000 on Cleveland before Orlando benched four starters.
Feb. 9, 2023: Lakers vs. Bucks – Jones allegedly tipped a partner to bet big on Milwaukee before LeBron James’ injury became public.
Jan. 15, 2024: Lakers vs. Thunder – Jones reportedly paid a trainer for lineup info, leading to a failed $100,000 bet.
Jan. 26, 2024: Raptors vs. Clippers – Porter told an associate he’d exit early; gamblers profited after he played four minutes.
March 20, 2024: Raptors vs. Kings – Porter again left early, allegedly tipping bettors beforehand.
Prosecutors say the coordinated schemes blended insider access, rigged games, and organized crime influence – undermining the league’s integrity on and off the court.
These are the NBA games illegally targeted by gamblers, according to the FBI https://t.co/bq2oHL15jq pic.twitter.com/fVYwAMjnAO
— New York Post (@nypost) October 24, 2025
