The NBA finds itself caught in one of the biggest scandals in modern sports history as the FBI’s illegal sports gambling investigation continues to unfold. Reports confirm that bets were placed on games involving four major franchises: the Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, and Portland Trail Blazers.
According to federal investigators, the criminal network operated between 2022 and 2024, using confidential insider information such as player injuries and lineup changes to manipulate betting outcomes. The FBI revealed that this was not a small-time operation but a sophisticated fraud scheme connected to organized crime groups from New York.
Among the thirty people charged in the case, several high-profile basketball figures have been named. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, and former NBA player Damon Jones were all arrested as part of the sweeping crackdown.
The charges paint a disturbing picture of how insider access to non-public data was exploited for personal gain. Investigators allege that Terry Rozier intentionally altered his in-game performance while playing for the Charlotte Hornets in March 2023, allowing specific bets to hit predetermined targets. Damon Jones, a former NBA player and coach, is accused of selling sensitive information about player injuries that affected key Los Angeles Lakers games in February 2023 and January 2024.
The scandal has also reopened wounds from a previous case involving former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter, who was permanently banned from the league in 2024 for his role in another betting conspiracy. The FBI says the new indictments are linked to that earlier investigation, suggesting that the same network of individuals continued operating despite prior arrests.
In a press briefing, federal officials described the scheme as highly organized and deeply entrenched in professional basketball. The operation allegedly used illegal betting networks to launder tens of millions of dollars over two years, relying on personal relationships within the NBA to gain access to valuable inside information.
The Bureau’s spokesperson stated that the operation “involved multiple layers of deception, advanced coordination, and direct ties to organized crime families.” Raids conducted in several states uncovered betting records, encrypted communications, and significant cash transactions linking the suspects to gambling rings run by Mafia affiliates in New York.
The NBA reacted swiftly to the growing scandal. Both Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups have been placed on immediate leave pending the outcome of the federal case. The league released a statement reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy for gambling-related misconduct, emphasizing its commitment to protecting the integrity of the game.
For the teams involved, the fallout has been severe. The Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, and Portland Trail Blazers are now under federal scrutiny, with investigators examining whether team staff or executives had knowledge of the scheme. The reputational damage has already begun, as fans and analysts question how such a large-scale operation could have existed undetected for years within one of the most closely monitored sports leagues in the world.
The arrests of Rozier and Billups have sent shockwaves through the basketball community. Billups, a respected coach and former NBA champion, had been widely admired for his leadership both on and off the court. Rozier, known for his fiery style and veteran presence, now faces accusations that could permanently end his professional career.
This investigation has also reignited debate over the rapid growth of legalized sports betting in the United States. While the NBA has partnered with major betting companies in recent years to expand fan engagement and revenue, critics argue that such close ties have blurred ethical boundaries and made the sport more vulnerable to corruption.
As the FBI’s investigation continues, new details are expected to emerge about the full scale of the operation and the individuals involved. Federal prosecutors have indicated that more indictments are likely as evidence continues to surface.
For now, the league faces one of its darkest moments in decades. What began as whispers of suspicious betting patterns has exploded into a full-blown scandal implicating current players, coaches, and organized crime groups. The integrity of the NBA is now under fire, and its response in the coming weeks will determine whether it can restore trust or whether this controversy will leave a permanent mark on the sport’s history.
