Two prominent basketball figures will face federal court proceedings this week as their illegal gambling cases move forward, according to multiple media reports released Tuesday.
Former NBA champion Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier are scheduled to attend status hearings in Brooklyn federal court, where they’ll join approximately 30 other defendants for discussions about legal documents and evidence discovery.
Both basketball personalities were taken into custody in October and are facing serious federal charges related to separate gambling operations.
The NBA suspended Billups indefinitely from his coaching position with the Portland Trail Blazers following his arrest. During his November court appearance, the 49-year-old entered a not guilty plea to charges including wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy.
Federal prosecutors allege that Billups worked alongside organized crime figures to manipulate illegal poker games. Authorities claim he helped recruit players into rigged games where sophisticated cheating devices were allegedly used to steal millions from unsuspecting participants.
Court documents reveal that following one fraudulent poker session in October 2020, Billups allegedly received a $50,000 payment from mob-connected game organizers.
The former point guard enjoyed a distinguished 17-season NBA career, capturing a championship title and Finals MVP honors with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. The five-time All-Star was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024.
During his coaching tenure with Portland from 2021-22 through 2024-25, Billups compiled a 117-211 record. His final game as head coach was the season opener this year, as he was arrested the following morning.
Rozier entered a not guilty plea in December to wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges stemming from his alleged involvement in an illegal sports betting operation. His legal team has filed motions seeking case dismissal.
Prosecutors accuse Rozier of coordinating with co-defendant Deniro Laster regarding a planned fake injury during a March 2023 game. Laster allegedly shared this inside information with gambling networks, leading to over $200,000 in prop bets wagering that Rozier would have poor statistical performance.
The scheme apparently worked as planned, with Rozier departing the game after just 10 minutes, citing a foot injury.
While the Heat initially withheld Rozier’s salary during his administrative leave, an arbitrator ruled last month that he’s entitled to his full $26.6 million compensation for the current season.
The 31-year-old guard, who celebrates his 32nd birthday on March 17, has compiled career averages of 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 665 games with Boston, Charlotte, and Miami.
