US authorities have arrested several high-profile figures from the NBA in a sweeping investigation into illegal gambling, fraud and links to organised crime. The FBI revealed that the probe, spanning multiple years and states, exposes alleged attempts to influence sports wagers and run rigged poker operations with ties to New York’s mafia.
Players Accused of Faking Injuries for Betting Gains
The first case — internally called “Operation Nothing But Bet” — focuses on NBA players and associates allegedly exploiting insider information to profit from betting platforms. Officials claim that in some instances, players altered their on-court performance or exited games early, enabling pre-planned bets to cash out. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is among the six accused in this scheme. Prosecutors allege he tipped off associates in March 2023 about leaving a game early while playing for the Charlotte Hornets, resulting in fraudulent winnings.
Former NBA player Damon Jones has also been charged, with investigators linking him to manipulated games involving the Los Angeles Lakers. In total, seven NBA games between February 2023 and March 2024 are suspected to have been influenced for gambling benefits.
Poker Ring with Mafia Connections Uncovered
The second case centres around a high-stakes illegal poker network allegedly involving four major New York crime families along with multiple professional athletes. The accused are said to have used advanced technology — including modified shuffling machines, marked cards visible through special contact lenses, and even X-ray tables — to cheat wealthy victims. Millions of dollars were reportedly laundered through bank wires and cryptocurrency, with incidents of extortion and threats of violence also detailed in the indictment.
Portland Trail Blazers coach and Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups is among 31 defendants charged in this case.
NBA Responds with Swift Action
The league has placed Rozier and Billups on immediate leave and said it is fully co-operating with federal authorities. The NBA emphasised that protecting the integrity of the sport remains its highest priority as the legal process moves forward.
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