NEW YORK (AP) — Chauncey Billups, the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and a respected figure in basketball, is set to appear in a New York court, facing serious charges of being involved in rigged poker games tied to mafia figures, including at least one former NBA player. This high-profile case, which has generated considerable media attention, includes money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy allegations.
As a five-time NBA All-Star and a championship winner with the Detroit Pistons, Billups has firmly established a legacy in the sport. His attorney, Chris Heywood, has defended Billups’ character, emphasizing that the accusations jeopardize his esteemed reputation, which he supposedly would not compromise for anything as trivial as a poker game. Heywood maintains that Billups acted with integrity and that believing the charges against him is unrealistic.
The case is part of a larger crackdown by federal authorities on illegal gambling operations, resulting in charges for over 30 individuals last month. Billups ranks as one of the most notable names in this particular case.
Prosecutors allege that Billups was part of a scheme that defrauded participants of an estimated $7 million through illegal poker games operating in cities like Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami, and the Hamptons since at least 2019. It is claimed that he functioned as a 'face card' to attract wealthy gamblers who were unaware of the fraudulent nature of the games.
Billups reportedly earned a portion of the profits from these operations, purportedly receiving payments wired to him directly following rigged games. Furthermore, the alleged poker game managing ring is said to have connections with organized crime families, capturing a concerning intersection of sports and criminal activity.
As a significant figure, Billups was drafted third overall in 1997 by the Boston Celtics and had a notable 17-year NBA career, earning widespread acclaim, especially in Detroit. His future as both a coach and an influential voice in the sports community hangs in the balance with these ongoing legal troubles.
In response to the situation, Billups was placed on unpaid leave from his position with the Trail Blazers, with Tiago Splitter stepping in as interim coach until the proceedings unfold.
As a five-time NBA All-Star and a championship winner with the Detroit Pistons, Billups has firmly established a legacy in the sport. His attorney, Chris Heywood, has defended Billups’ character, emphasizing that the accusations jeopardize his esteemed reputation, which he supposedly would not compromise for anything as trivial as a poker game. Heywood maintains that Billups acted with integrity and that believing the charges against him is unrealistic.
The case is part of a larger crackdown by federal authorities on illegal gambling operations, resulting in charges for over 30 individuals last month. Billups ranks as one of the most notable names in this particular case.
Prosecutors allege that Billups was part of a scheme that defrauded participants of an estimated $7 million through illegal poker games operating in cities like Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami, and the Hamptons since at least 2019. It is claimed that he functioned as a 'face card' to attract wealthy gamblers who were unaware of the fraudulent nature of the games.
Billups reportedly earned a portion of the profits from these operations, purportedly receiving payments wired to him directly following rigged games. Furthermore, the alleged poker game managing ring is said to have connections with organized crime families, capturing a concerning intersection of sports and criminal activity.
As a significant figure, Billups was drafted third overall in 1997 by the Boston Celtics and had a notable 17-year NBA career, earning widespread acclaim, especially in Detroit. His future as both a coach and an influential voice in the sports community hangs in the balance with these ongoing legal troubles.
In response to the situation, Billups was placed on unpaid leave from his position with the Trail Blazers, with Tiago Splitter stepping in as interim coach until the proceedings unfold.
