Chauncey Billups Faces Legal Troubles Over Rigged Poker Games

Mon Nov 24 2025 16:36:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups appears in court to address charges related to orchestrating rigged poker games tied to organized crime.

Former NBA star Chauncey Billups, headlines a list of over 30 individuals charged in a federal gambling investigation. He is accused of being involved in a scheme that defrauded victims of over $7 million through manipulated poker games, bringing significant scrutiny to his reputation and coaching career.

NEW YORK (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers coach and basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups is set to appear in a New York court to face charges he profited from rigged poker games involving organized crime figures and at least one other former NBA player. The federal indictment outlines charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud against the five-time All-Star, who is accused of using his reputation to lure unsuspecting players into illegal games.

Chris Heywood, representing Billups, asserted his client is a man of integrity denying the allegations. “To believe that Chauncey Billups would risk his Hall of Fame legacy and freedom for a poker game is unfathomable,” commented Heywood during Billups' initial court appearance in Portland following the indictment announcement on October 23.

Billups was among the most spotlighted individuals in a significant federal crackdown on illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports. Expected to join him in the courtroom on Monday are over 30 co-defendants, marking a pivotal stage in the legal proceedings.

The allegations against Billups indicate involvement in a scheme that defrauded victims of at least $7 million, suggesting the use of advanced technology to manipulate poker games across various cities. He reportedly acted as a "celebrity face card," drawing wealthy participants into the rigged environment.

Federal authorities claim the games were backed by Mafia organizations, requiring organizers to conceal their operations amid violent enforcement tactics related to debt collection. Billups, who turned heads during his illustrious NBA career, now faces the possibility of tarnishing his legacy through these serious legal battles.

Having had a successful career as a player, including pivotal moments with the Detroit Pistons, Billups transitioned into coaching after his retirement, landing the role in Portland and signing a multi-year extension earlier this year. The fallout from these charges has placed him on unpaid leave while an interim coach assumes his duties.

This situation presents a troubling chapter for a figure widely hailed for his contributions to the game, emphasizing the potential ramifications of gambling scandals in sports and the importance of maintaining integrity.