Rozier, Billups Arrests: What You Need To Know

Last Thursday, within the same hour of me hitting “publish” on edition No. 47 of The Sideline, Shams dropped two Breaking News bombs within minutes:

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were arrested by the FBI early Thursday morning.

Just hours after their arrests, Rozier and Billups were placed on immediate leave by the league.

Both Rozier and Billups were arrested for their role in separate illegal gambling matters.

Billups is being accused of his role in allegedly rigged poker games, where operators used advanced technology, like rigged shuffling machines and x-ray tables, to rig the outcome of games.

Meanwhile, Rozier is being accused of misconduct while on the Hornets during the 2022-23 NBA season. Rozier allegedly shared information with a bettor, who placed large wagers on Rozier unders for a game.

Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones is allegedly involved in both cases.

A week later, here’s where things stand:

FBI, EDNY Announcement

Last Thursday morning, FBI Director Kash Patel announced the conspiracy charges alongside officials from the Eastern District of New York.

Just like any criminal charge, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Billups case

The allegations against Billups and Jones are related to unlicensed poker games, which are illegal. If the poker games further a criminal enterprise and cross state lines, additional charges may be brought.

According to prosecutors, Billups and Jones were in on the rigged games and acted as “face cards,” a term used to describe celebrities used to lure in vulnerable individuals and prospective players.

As detailed in the U.S. Attorney’s Office written release, the conspiracy charges involving Billups led to: