The Excerpt The NBA is reeling from an explosive gambling scandal
Oct 27, 2025
Mark Giannotto, a sports reporter for USA TODAY, dives deep into a sensational gambling scandal involving the NBA and organized crime. He reveals the shocking indictments against over thirty people, including NBA figures like Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones, tied to rigged poker games. The alleged use of sophisticated cheating technologies, along with mafia connections, adds layers to this unfolding saga. Giannotto also discusses potential impacts on the NBA's integrity and the murky motivations behind players' involvement in these schemes.
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Celebrities Used To Lure Poker Victims
- High-profile NBA figures were allegedly used as "face cards" to lure gamblers into rigged poker games.
- The indictment says Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones acted as celebrity draws while others executed the cheating.
Allegations Extend From Poker To NBA Games
- A second indictment alleges game-manipulation affecting on-court integrity, naming Terry Rozier and implicating Chauncey Billups.
- The feds claim Rozier faked an injury to influence prop bets and Damon Jones supplied non-public LeBron info for pay.
Organized Crime's Role In The Scheme
- The indictment links three major New York crime families to organizing, enforcing, and supplying cheating tech for these schemes.
- Prosecutors say the mafia handled game organization, debt collection, and sourcing of sophisticated devices.