Basketball Legend Enters Not Guilty Plea in Federal Court
Hall of Fame basketball star and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has pleaded not guilty to serious federal charges linking him to mafia-backed rigged poker games. The NBA champion appeared in a Brooklyn courtroom on Monday where he formally denied allegations of conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud.
Billups, who earned the nickname "Mr Big Shot" during his illustrious playing career, faces potential decades behind bars if convicted. Both charges carry maximum sentences of 20 years imprisonment, meaning the 49-year-old could theoretically spend the rest of his life in prison.
The Alleged $7 Million Poker Scheme
Federal prosecutors allege Billups participated in an elaborate scheme that defrauded victims of approximately $7 million since at least 2019. According to court documents, the operation used sophisticated technology including altered card-shuffling machines, hidden cameras in poker chip trays, special sunglasses and even X-ray equipment built into gaming tables to read opponents' cards.
The Denver native allegedly served as a celebrity "face card" whose presence would attract wealthy, unsuspecting players to the rigged games. Prosecutors claim organizers once exchanged messages noting how one victim "acted like he wanted Chauncey to have his money" because he appeared starstruck by the basketball legend.
Billups, who earned approximately $106 million during his 17-year NBA career, reportedly received portions of the illegal profits. Court records indicate he was wired $50,000 following one rigged game in October 2020.
Mafia Connections and Co-Defendants
The case involves connections to multiple organized crime families, with prosecutors alleging that scheme organizers shared proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno crime families for permission to operate within their illegal poker games. Mafia members allegedly committed violent acts including assault, extortion and robbery to ensure debt repayment and operational success.
Billups represents the most prominent name among more than 30 defendants charged in last month's federal crackdown on illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports. Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones faces similar charges in the alleged scheme.
In a separate but related case, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Jones were charged with exploiting insider information about players to win bets on NBA games.
Legal Defence and Professional Consequences
Billups' attorney, Chris Heywood, has vigorously defended his client's character, describing him as a "man of integrity" who would never risk his Hall of Fame legacy. "To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall of Fame legacy, his reputation and his freedom," Heywood stated following Billups' initial court appearance in Oregon.
The professional consequences for Billups have been immediate. The Portland Trail Blazers have placed him on unpaid leave and appointed assistant coach Tiago Splitter as interim coach. This development comes shortly after Billups signed a multiyear extension with the team earlier this year, following Portland's fourth consecutive season missing the playoffs.
During Monday's brief arraignment, Billups wore a dark grey suit and spoke only to answer the judge's yes-or-no questions. He has remained free on bond since his initial court appearance in Oregon on 23 October when prosecutors first announced the indictment.
Billups enjoyed a celebrated playing career that included NBA Finals MVP honours during the Detroit Pistons' 2004 championship run. His number 1 jersey was retired by the Pistons, cementing his legacy in the city where he became most beloved. After retiring in 2014, he transitioned to broadcasting before moving into coaching with the Los Angeles Clippers and ultimately Portland.
The case continues to develop as prosecutors, defence lawyers and the judge discuss next steps in what represents one of the most significant gambling scandals to hit professional basketball in recent years.
