Chauncey Billups Faces Court Over Alleged Poker Scheme Linked to Mafia

Mon Nov 24 2025 14:57:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, a Hall of Famer, is set to appear in a New York court over charges related to rigged poker games tied to Mafia figures and other former NBA players.

Chauncey Billups, the coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and five-time NBA All-Star, faces serious charges of money laundering and conspiracy related to a gambling scheme that allegedly defrauded victims of $7 million. Billups, who earned legendary status in Detroit, is accused of using his celebrity status to attract wealthy players to illegal poker games backed by organized crime. His attorney maintains his innocence, asserting that Billups would not jeopardize his Hall of Fame reputation for illicit actions.

NEW YORK (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers coach and basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups is set to appear in a New York court to face charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and at least one other former NBA player.

The five-time All Star, who won a championship with the Detroit Pistons, will be arraigned in Brooklyn federal court Monday on money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges.

Chris Heywood, his attorney, has said Billups is a “man of integrity” and denies the charges. “To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall of Fame legacy, his reputation, and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game,” Heywood stated after Billups appeared in federal court in Portland, Oregon, when prosecutors first announced the indictment on October 23.

Billups was one of more than 30 individuals charged in last month’s federal takedown of illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports. The other defendants are also expected to appear in court for Monday’s proceedings, where the judge, prosecutors, and defense lawyers will discuss next steps in the case.

Prosecutors allege that the 49-year-old Denver native was involved in rigging Mafia-backed illegal poker games across various locations including Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami, and the Hamptons.

Details reveal that Billups, who earned approximately $106 million during his NBA career, was allegedly used as a celebrity “face card” to lure in wealthy unsuspecting players. During one game, organizers communicated about a victim being star-struck, suggesting he wanted to give Billups his money.

According to prosecutors, the poker scheme defrauded victims of about $7 million, and Billups reportedly received a $50,000 wire transfer after a rigged game in October 2020.

The scheme utilized advanced technology, including manipulated card-shuffling machines and hidden cameras, to facilitate the fraudulent operations. Mafia affiliates supported the scheme and committed violent acts to ensure repayment of debts.

Billups, celebrated for his clutch performance during his career, was hired as the head coach of the Trail Blazers in 2021. Following his arrest, he was placed on unpaid leave, with former player Tiago Splitter stepping in as interim coach.

As the case unfolds, the sports world watches closely, with the NBA already starting reviews of its policies in light of several gambling-related accusations surrounding players.