Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges connected to a multimillion-dollar poker operation alleged to be linked to organized crime. Billups is accused of using his celebrity status to attract wealthy players to high-stakes games that were allegedly rigged with advanced cheating technology, according to KATU.
Billups was arrested in late October and faces charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, each carrying a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. His arrest was part of a broader law enforcement operation that resulted in over 30 individuals being charged in connection with illegal sports-related gambling activities. As reported by The Guardian, the operation involved modified shuffling machines and technology capable of reading cards at poker tables.
Billups’ attorney, Chris Heywood, addressed his client’s integrity, stating that it is unlikely Billups would risk his reputation and freedom for the alleged scheme. As per The Guardian, Heywood said, “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. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game.” Billups, known for his calm demeanor during the arraignment, responded only to the judge’s direct questions.
Amid the ongoing case, the NBA has placed Billups on immediate leave, citing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport. As noted NBC News, the league stated, “We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.” Federal prosecutors are continuing to collect evidence, including a terabyte of documents and electronic correspondence related to the investigation.
The former NBA Finals MVP, whose bond was set at $5 million secured by his home, is prohibited under bond conditions from gambling, contacting co-defendants, or engaging with organized crime figures. As details from the case continue to emerge, Judge Reyes has instructed the legal teams to prepare for a potentially complex trial scheduled by September 2026. The next court appearance is scheduled for March 4.
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