Top News

NBA Season Marred by Gambling Scandal, Arrests/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The NBA’s season debut has been overshadowed by a gambling scandal involving Portland coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, both arrested in federal investigations. The league now faces scrutiny over the integrity of its games amid expanding legal sports betting. Officials say protecting basketball’s credibility remains a top priority.

NBA Gambling Scandal – Quick Looks

• Gambling crackdown: Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier among 30+ arrested in federal betting probe.
• Insider tips alleged: Rozier accused of sharing game info; Billups linked to $7 million poker scheme.
• Placed on leave: Both Billups and Rozier sidelined indefinitely pending investigation outcomes.
• NBA response: League says maintaining integrity is its top priority.
• Betting backlash: Legalized sports gambling draws fan abuse, social media hostility toward players.
• Billups’ coaching ties: Brother Rodney Billups is on Denver Nuggets’ staff.
• Historical parallels: Jontay Porter banned in 2024 for betting against his own team.
• Season overshadowed: Stellar opening night performances lost amid scandal fallout.

Deep Look: NBA’s Opening Week Overshadowed by Gambling Scandal Involving Billups, Rozier

MIAMI — What should have been a celebratory launch to the 2025–26 NBA season has instead plunged into controversy, as the league grapples with a high-profile gambling scandal that has already led to the arrests of Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozieramong others.

The incident comes just days into the new season and raises urgent questions about betting integrityleague oversight, and the long-term risks associated with the NBA’s embrace of legalized sports wagering.

Gambling Briefings Now Hit Different

Every NBA season begins with mandated briefings about gambling rules: Casino play is generally acceptable, betting on other sports is allowed where legal, but betting on NBA games is strictly prohibited.

For most players and coaches, the annual review feels like a formality. But now, with arrests making headlines, that same protocol has taken on new weight.

The Allegations: Insider Info and Fraud

Federal authorities allege that Rozierarrested in Orlando ahead of Miami’s season opener, tipped off an associate in March 2023 that he would be playing limited minutes for the Charlotte Hornets. He ended up logging fewer than 10 minutes — and fell far below prop betting expectations. According to the indictment, the information led to over $200,000 in winnings from manipulated bets.

Billupsmeanwhile, was arrested in Lake Oswego, Oregonand is accused of participating in a poker scheme that defrauded victims of at least $7 million. Federal documents also suggest he may have indirectly contributed insider information about Trail Blazers games.

In one filing, an unnamed “Co-Conspirator 8” is described as an Oregon resident, Hall of Fame player, NBA veteran from 1997–2014, and a coach since 2021 — all details matching Billups’ profile.

Legal Defense and NBA Response

Attorneys for both men pushed back swiftly. Billups’ lawyer described him as a “man of integrity,” while Rozier’s representative emphasized that his client “is not a gambler” and “looks forward to winning this fight.”

The NBA placed both individuals on indefinite leave shortly after their court appearances Thursday.

Betting Boom Meets Basketball Reality

This scandal hits at a time when sports betting is more deeply embedded in pro sports than ever before. Wagering is now legal in 38 U.S. statesplus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Ricoand the NBA has embraced it through partnerships with FanDuel, DraftKingsand over a dozen authorized operators.

There’s even a dedicated section on the league’s official website called NBABet.

But the dark side of legal gambling is surfacing more visibly — not just through scandals, but also fan hostilityboth online and in arenas.

Kerr added that even he has received emails from bettors blaming him for their financial losses.

Previous Scandals and Repeat Patterns

This is not the first time the NBA has dealt with gambling violations. In 2024, Jontay Porter — brother of Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. — was banned for life after betting on games, including wagers against his own team, the Toronto Raptors.

Billups’ arrest hits particularly close to home in Denver, where his brother Rodney Billups is on the Nuggets’ coaching staff.

The league is no stranger to integrity scaresbut officials admit this is among the most serious investigations in recent memory.

What Should Be the Story: On-Court Action

The scandal has drowned out what should have been headline-making moments:

Instead of showcasing rising stars and dominant performances, the NBA is answering questions about organized crime, inside informationand federal indictments.

Long-Term Implications for the League

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has long advocated for regulated sports gamblingfamously penning a 2014 op-ed calling for transparency to combat the underground betting market. After the 2018 Supreme Court decision paved the way for state-level legalization, the NBA adapted — but now faces growing pains.

Still, the pressure is rising to ensure stronger safeguards, better monitoring, and education — not just for players and coaches, but for the growing network of partners involved in gambling.

More on Sports