A major scandal has rocked the world of the NBA, involving fixed games that reportedly included players such as Terry Rozier. Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has also been arrested, while among the seven games under investigation is one between Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers.

The FBI launched the investigation after finding connections between organized crime and match-fixing operations. U.S. authorities have since arrested multiple basketball figures suspected of involvement.

The FBI reportedly arrested over 30 individuals, uncovering not only rigged NBA games but also mafia involvement in gambling rings, including poker. The perpetrators allegedly used special technology — such as contact lenses — to read cards and manipulate shuffles.

Victims were lured into high-stakes games with the promise of playing alongside celebrities, including athletes. The total amount lost to the mafia’s scams is estimated at around €6 million.

Terry Rozier’s Involvement

The first arrest was that of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who was detained at a hotel in Orlando, Florida, just hours after the Heat’s season opener against the Magic — a game in which he did not play.

Authorities had been monitoring Rozier for over 2.5 years. Suspicious betting activity was detected during a March 23, 2023 game between the Charlotte Hornets (Rozier’s former team) and the New Orleans Pelicans.

Within 46 minutes, 30 separate bets worth $13,759 were placed on Rozier’s individual stats — points, rebounds, and assists. The betting companies withdrew all wagers related to him after Rozier left the game just ten minutes in, citing a leg injury.

Since then, Rozier had been on the FBI’s radar, but his lawyer stated that both the NBA and the Bureau had previously met with him and found no evidence of wrongdoing. The NBA also said its internal investigation found no rule violations.

Bucks Game Among Those Under Review

Seven NBA games between February 2023 and March 2024 are part of the investigation — including a matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers on February 9, 2023.

List of games involved:

• February 9, 2023: Los Angeles Lakers – Milwaukee Bucks
• March 23, 2023: Charlotte Hornets – New Orleans Pelicans
• March 24, 2023: Portland Trail Blazers – Chicago Bulls
• April 6, 2023: Orlando Magic – Cleveland Cavaliers
• January 15, 2024: Los Angeles Lakers – Oklahoma City Thunder
• January 26, 2024: Toronto Raptors – Los Angeles Clippers
• March 20, 2024: Toronto Raptors – Sacramento Kings

Chauncey Billups Arrested for Illegal Poker

Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups was also arrested by the FBI, facing charges related to illegal gambling — but in a separate poker-related case, not involving NBA games.

According to ABC, Billups allegedly participated in mafia-run illegal poker tournaments. The former NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons had coached the Blazers in their season opener (a home win against the Timberwolves) before being arrested in Oregon.

Former NBA Player Damon Jones Also Arrested

Among the arrested individuals is 49-year-old Damon Jones, who played 11 seasons in the NBA.

Jones is accused of involvement in both sports betting and illegal poker operations. Authorities claim he played a key role coordinating betting activity across networks, serving as a link between players and broader gambling syndicates.

Investigators describe his role as “crucial” in exposing all those connected to illegal sports betting and poker activities.