Rozier, 31, faces allegations of fabricating injuries to sway betting odds, while Billups is implicated in a separate poker scheme involving former players and mafia connections. Both men have denied all allegations, maintaining their innocence as the investigation unfolds.
The scope of the investigation is significant, uncovering an alleged conspiracy that has operated across 11 states and involves staggering sums of money related to fraud and theft, reported to be in the tens of millions.
Prosecutors indicated that Rozier's involvement is tied to a specific game where he reportedly informed a friend he would exit early due to injury, which prompted over $200,000 in bets on his subsequent underperformance. Meanwhile, Billups' case involves allegations of participation in sophisticated poker games utilizing advanced technology designed to manipulate outcomes.
Authorities have described these incidents as among the most brazen examples of sports corruption in recent years, highlighting a troubling intersection between professional athletics and organized crime.
The NBA has stated that it will conduct a thorough review of theissued indictments. The integrity of the game and the seriousness of these allegations are stated as top priorities.
