The sports world is still reeling from the details of the Chauncey Billups Mafia Poker Scandal. On MoThe Chauncey Billups Mafia Poker Scandal continues to rock the sports world. On Monday, in a Brooklyn federal courtroom, the now-suspended Portland Trail Blazers head coach entered a plea of not guilty to charges related to wire fraud and money laundering.
The drama unfolded a month after his initial arrest. Furthermore, Billups appeared alongside 30 other defendants—a staggering indictment that involves alleged members of four of New York City’s five infamous crime families.
The Chauncey Billups Mafia Poker Scandal Details
The court wasted no time. Therefore, the judge set bail for the Hall of Famer at a staggering $5 million. To secure his immediate release, Billups reportedly put up his Colorado home as collateral. This move puts not just his reputation, but his personal assets, directly in the line of fire.
The Rigging of the Mafia Poker Games
According to federal prosecutors, organizers orchestrated the scheme to fleece wealthy targets who believed they were entering a legitimate, exclusive card game. The alleged masterminds used well-known celebrities—like Billups—as “face cards” to lend credibility and high-roller status to the event.
However, underneath the celebrity veneer, the operation was shockingly sophisticated and rigged. Legal documents reveal the organizers allegedly used advanced technology to guarantee their wins and steal millions, including:
- X-ray card reading tables
- Special contact lenses
- Fixed-deck shufflers
- Hidden cameras
For more background on the scope of the indictment, Read the official press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The NBA Fallout from the Poker Scandal
The fallout has been immediate and severe. Consequently, the NBA placed Billups on administrative leave, a standard measure in the wake of such serious allegations. In addition, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was also arrested in connection with a related sports betting case and similarly suspended.
Billups entered his fifth year coaching the Trail Blazers at 47. Finally, the judge set a tentative trial date for September 2026, meaning this legal drama will hang over the NBA for the next three years.
This video shows news coverage of the recent legal proceedings involving the coach:
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