Key Takeaways
- NBA stars Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier arrested in FBI gambling probe
- Billups accused in card game conspiracy, Rozier in betting scheme
- Referee Scott Foster faces social media speculation but no charges
- FBI describes “mind-boggling” fraud involving tens of millions
The FBI has confirmed arrests of several NBA coaches and players in a major gambling investigation, with Portland coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier among those facing charges in separate illegal betting schemes.
Billups was charged with conspiracy to fix high-stakes card games connected to the La Cosa Nostra organized crime family. Rozier was accused of exploiting private player information to win NBA game bets. Both have been placed on leave by their teams.
NBA and Authorities Respond
The NBA is cooperating fully with authorities amid what federal prosecutor Joseph Nocella called “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes” since sports betting legalization.
“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the NBA said in a statement.
Nocella delivered a strong message to defendants: “Your winning streak has ended. Your luck has run out.”
Massive Financial Scale
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the investigation uncovered “mind-boggling” fraud spanning multiple years.
“We’re talking about tens of millions of dollars in fraud and theft and robbery across a multiyear investigation.”
Scott Foster Speculation
Veteran referee Scott Foster has become a subject of social media speculation, though the accusations appear mostly baseless. The scrutiny stems from Foster’s past association with disgraced official Tim Donaghy, who pleaded guilty to betting on games in 2007.
Phone records showed 134 calls between Foster and Donaghy during the period Donaghy admitted to match-fixing. However, Foster has not been charged or arrested in the current investigation.
Social media posts reflect public interest in Foster’s status, with one user writing: “Patiently waiting on that Scott Foster arrest.”
