Issues over illegal sports betting in the NBA reached a crescendo on Wednesday as player player Terry Rozier and coach Chauncey Billups were arrested.
The NBA was plunged into controversy on Wednesday night (Thursday in Manila) just a few days after opening the new season, as Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups were arrested over alleged illegal sports betting.
Both were reportedly arrested after their teams’ games on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time).
The arrests were part of a sweeping investigation into illegal gambling that produced two indictments — one of which looked into players faking injuries to influence betting odds.
Investigation by the FBI found that players and associates allegedly used insider information to manipulate wagers on major sports betting platforms. It is also said that players altered their performance or took themselves out of games to ensure bets were paid out.
Bets reportedly amounted to tens of thousands of dollars in profit.
Meanwhile, the other case involved professional athletes as well, where four of five major crime families in New York created a scheme to rig illegal poker games and steal millions of dollars.
“We are in the process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today.” said the NBA.
“Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups are being placed on immediate leave from their teams, and we will continue to cooperate with relevant authorities.” they added.
Splitter takes over in Portland
As Billups faces his leave, assistant coach Tiago Splitter will assume the head coaching position in the interim for Portland, who lost their opening match against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila), 118-114.
The NBA further underscored that the league is looking into the allegations fervently.
“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.” they said.
The Miami Heat, meanwhile, who will be hit by Rozier’s arrest are also 0-1 for the year, losing to the Orlando Magic, 125-121, in their opening game.
The Heat plunge back into action against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday (Saturday, Manila time).
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.