NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups Enters Not Guilty Plea in Federal Gambling Case
NEW YORK — Portland Trail Blazers head coach and Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty on Monday to federal charges related to alleged involvement in rigged poker games. The arraignment occurred in a federal court in Brooklyn.
Charges and Allegations
Billups faces charges of money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison upon conviction. Prosecutors allege that Billups was involved in a scheme to rig mob-backed illegal poker games. These games were reportedly conducted in various locations, including Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami, and the Hamptons.
The broader investigation involves over 30 individuals, with other defendants facing charges such as running an illegal gambling business, robbery conspiracy, and extortion conspiracy. Prosecutors confirmed that plea negotiations have commenced with some of the defendants, although their identities were not disclosed.
Court Proceedings and Conditions of Release
U.S. District Court Judge Ramon Reyes indicated an aim to bring the extensive case to trial by September of next year. Billups, 49, was released on a $5 million bond, which is secured by his family's residence in Colorado. The conditions of his release include refraining from gambling, avoiding contact with other defendants or alleged victims, surrendering his passport, and restricting his travel to seven specified states, including Oregon and New York, and Washington, D.C.
Billups’ lawyer, Marc Mukasey, entered the plea on his behalf. Another attorney for Billups, Chris Heywood, previously stated on October 23 that Billups is a "man of integrity" who denies the allegations, emphasizing that believing the accusations would imply Billups risked his Hall of Fame legacy, reputation, and freedom.
Scope of the Investigation
Billups was among more than 30 individuals charged last month in a comprehensive federal operation targeting illegal gambling activities connected to professional sports. Damon Jones, an former NBA player and assistant coach, and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were also charged. Prosecutors allege these individuals conspired to enable gamblers to use insider information about players to influence NBA bets.
The alleged poker-rigging scheme reportedly utilized altered card-shuffling machines, hidden cameras in chip trays, specialized sunglasses, and X-ray equipment integrated into tables to read cards. Prosecutors estimate that victims were defrauded of approximately $7 million, with the operation beginning at least in 2019.
Billups is alleged to have served as a celebrity "face card" to attract affluent, unsuspecting players to the games. Text messages cited by prosecutors from one game indicated a victim appeared to want Billups to receive his money due to being "star struck." Prosecutors contend that Billups received a portion of the illicit earnings, including a $50,000 wire transfer following a rigged game in October 2020.
Organizers of the illegal poker games were also required to share their proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonanno organized crime families, according to prosecutors. In return, Mafia members allegedly engaged in activities such as assault, extortion, and robbery to collect debts and safeguard the operation.
Billups' Career and Current Status
During his 17-year NBA career, Billups earned approximately $106 million. He was the third overall pick in the 1997 draft and played for multiple teams, including the Detroit Pistons, where he was named NBA Finals MVP in 2004. His No. 1 jersey was retired by the Pistons.
After retiring in 2014, Billups worked as a television analyst before transitioning to coaching. He was appointed head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021 and signed a multiyear contract extension earlier this year. Following his arrest, Billups was placed on unpaid leave by the Trail Blazers. Assistant coach Tiago Splitter, a former NBA player, has been named interim head coach.
Billups and his co-defendants attended a status conference on Monday and are scheduled to reappear in court on March 4.