What in the World What could the NBA, mafia, and X-ray glasses have in common?
Oct 27, 2025
Kayla Epstein, a BBC reporter in New York, reveals shocking FBI investigations linking NBA players and coaches to organized crime through illegal gambling. She details how these figures are accused of faking injuries and manipulating game outcomes. Jonty Colman, BBC Sport journalist, explores the implications for the NBA, including fan concerns and potential disruptions to the season. They also discuss the evolution of mafia tactics in modern crime, showing how traditional operations have shifted to cyber fraud and illegal betting schemes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Two Overlapping Gambling Schemes Exposed
- The FBI revealed two overlapping indictments linking NBA figures to large illegal gambling schemes.
- One used insider game information to manipulate online bets while the other rigged high-stakes poker with technology and signals.
High-Tech Rigged Poker Operation
- Prosecutors say rigged poker games used contact lenses, marked cards and x-ray-like devices to cheat victims.
- An off-site operator signalled players at the table, producing about $7 million in losses, per the FBI.
High-Profile NBA Figures Named
- Named in the indictments were Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and coach Chauncey Billups among others.
- Damon Jones was also identified, while lawyers for Rozier and Billups denied the allegations and no pleas have been entered yet.