Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups have both been detained in connection with a federal probe into sports wagering, according to sources familiar with the situation. The specific charges they are facing have not been disclosed at this time. The NBA has not provided an immediate statement on the matter.
Rozier, who was present in uniform during the Heat’s game against the Magic in Orlando, did not participate in the match and was taken into custody early the following morning. Billups’ arrest was also confirmed by one of the sources.
The league is currently investigating Rozier and former player Malik Beasley. Rozier, a seasoned guard who has played for multiple NBA teams, was previously cleared of any wrongdoing after meeting with league and FBI officials in 2023. Further details regarding the arrests are expected to be revealed at a press conference on Thursday.
The case has been brought by the U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn, known for prosecuting ex-NBA player Jontay Porter for withdrawing from games to manipulate betting outcomes. Rozier’s performance in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans has raised suspicions, with bettors expressing frustration online over his abrupt exit from the match.
Rozier, aged 31, has an extensive NBA career and is currently in the last year of a lucrative contract. On the other hand, Billups, a former player and now head coach, has recently signed a contract extension with the Trail Blazers. Both individuals have made significant contributions to the basketball world, but now find themselves entangled in legal issues related to sports betting.
Keyphrase: NBA sports betting