NBA Rocked by Gambling Scandal; Stars, Mafia Figures Arrested in Rigging Scheme

FBI Director Kash Patel 

NBA Rocked by Gambling Scandal; Stars, Mafia Figures Arrested in Rigging Scheme

By Paul V. Young – TheNationWeek.Com | October 24, 2025

NEW YORK, NY – A sweeping FBI operation has exposed a vast illegal gambling ring, ensnaring prominent NBA players and alleged Mafia associates in a scandal that threatens to shatter the integrity of professional basketball.

More than 30 individuals accused of manipulating game outcomes and orchestrating rigged poker games were arrested this week. Losses totaled tens of millions of dollars.

Among the most shocking revelations is the implication of NBA stars Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones.

According to prosecutors, Jones is named as a defendant in two separate indictments.

One alleges Rozier and others used confidential insider information to sway betting results, with accusations that players intentionally altered their on-court performance.

The second indictment details a broader scheme involving 31 defendants, including Billups, accused of running rigged poker games in collaboration with notorious New York City Mafia families.

“The level of fraud and deception uncovered in this investigation is mind-boggling,” said FBI Director Kash Patel during a press conference detailing the indictments.

“This wasn’t just a casual gambling operation; this was a sophisticated criminal enterprise designed to exploit the passion and trust of sports fans for personal gain.”

Allegations Detail Brazen Corruption

Insider Information & Game Manipulation

Rozier is accused of leveraging privileged information, potentially even faking an injury, to influence betting odds.

Rigged Poker Games

Billups is alleged to have participated in high-stakes poker games orchestrated with Mafia figures, designed to systematically cheat victims out of substantial sums of money.

Widespread Conspiracy

The investigation has uncovered a network of individuals, from NBA players to Mafia affiliates, working in concert to profit from illegal gambling activities.

NBA Swiftly Responds

The NBA has placed both Billups and Rozier on immediate leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

“The allegations are deeply concerning,” stated an NBA spokesperson. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.”

Rozier’s legal counsel has vehemently denied the allegations, expressing confidence that his client will be exonerated.

Billups appeared in court in Oregon, where his attorney secured his release under strict conditions, including travel restrictions and a ban on all gambling activities.

The Portland Trail Blazers have named assistant coach Tiago Splitter as interim head coach in Billups’ absence.

Ripple Effect Across the Industry

The scandal has sent shockwaves through the sports world, raising serious questions about the vulnerability of professional sports to corruption.

Lawmakers are already calling for stricter regulations to protect the integrity of games and safeguard athletes from exploitation.

Even the gambling industry, represented by major players like DraftKings and FanDuel, has issued statements reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the integrity of sports.

As the investigation continues, the future of several NBA careers hangs in the balance.

The scandal also casts a long shadow over the integrity of professional sports, prompting a critical examination of the relationship between athletes, gambling, and organized crime.

The coming weeks will be crucial as court proceedings unfold and the full extent of this shocking conspiracy is revealed.