NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal breaks his silence after the issue of illegal gambling allegations came out, per reports with former NBA stars involved in the scandal.
Portland Trailblazers head coach Chauncy Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were among 31 people charged in two federal sports gambling cases.
Billups’ lawyer has immediately strongly denied the allegations, while Rozier also made court appearances but left without answering questions.
O’Neal has expressed his take on both NBA stakeholders, saying they did not even think about the consequences of their actions, as their families were on the line.
“All these guys knew what was at stake, and I’m just ashamed that they put themselves and put their families and put the NBA in this position,” O’Neal stated.
The four-time NBA champion also noted that these individuals were making a million dollars, as if they were not content with what they had, which put them in jeopardy.
“If you’re making $9 million and you’re dealing in certain things, how much more do you need?” Especially if you know you get caught, you can do jail time, lose your career, and put a bad image on yourself, your family, and the NBA,” the big man stressed.
As Inside the NBA discussed the issue, they talked about the huge amount that they get from this gambling, which usually doubles or triples their monthly salary.
“We all know the letter of the law when it comes to gambling and sports gambling… They dropped the ball,” he added.
Rozier is considered a 10-year NBA veteran with the Heat, while Billups, currently the head coach of the Blazers, will face absence as they will be under interrogation and will be held accountable for their actions.
