Chauncey Billups leaves Oregon courthouse after arrest

Basketball Corridor of Famer Chauncey Billups left a federal courthouse in Oregon on Thursday with out answering questions after he was arrested as a part of an FBI playing investigation.

Federal officers introduced that Billups was charged with conspiracy to commit financial institution fraud and cash laundering. He shall be arraigned at a federal courthouse in New York on November 24.

He was launched underneath sure situations. He was compelled to give up his passport and was barred from participating in gambling-related actions or having any contact with any of the greater than 30 co-defendants who have been additionally charged, together with Miami Warmth guard Terry Rozier and former participant and assistant coach Damon Jones. He can not journey exterior of Oregon and Colorado.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Portland Path Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups walks to a automobile following his look in federal courtroom on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. (AP Photograph/Jenny Kane)

“The phrases are normal and customary for allegations like this,” his lawyer Chris Heywood stated The Oregonian. “Individuals shouldn’t draw conclusions from this.”

Billups was noticed strolling out of the courtroom sporting a brown hooded sweatshirt and grey sweatpants. He was on the sidelines throughout the Path Blazers recreation on Wednesday night time.

The NBA positioned him on administrative go away.

“We’re within the means of reviewing the federal expenses introduced in the present day,” the league stated. “Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups are instantly positioned on go away from their groups and we are going to proceed to cooperate with the related authorities. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness and the integrity of our recreation stays our high precedence.”

The Path Blazers stated Thiago Splitter would take over head teaching duties within the interim.

“We’re conscious of the allegations involving head coach Chauncey Billups, and the Path Blazers are totally cooperating with the investigation,” the group stated. “Billups has been positioned on quick go away and Tiago Splitter will assume head teaching duties within the interim. Any additional questions ought to be directed to the NBA.”

“Anybody who is aware of Chauncey Billups is aware of that he’s a person of integrity; males of integrity don’t deceive or deceive others,” the assertion stated. via ESPN. “To consider that Chauncey Billups did what the federal authorities accuses him of is to consider that he would threat his Corridor of Fame legacy, his repute and his freedom. He would not jeopardize these issues for something, not to mention a card recreation.

“Moreover, Chauncey Billups has by no means gambled on basketball video games, won’t ever present inside data, or sacrifice the belief of his group and the League as a result of to take action would tarnish the sport to which he has devoted his complete life. Chauncey Billups has by no means opted out. He has no intention of doing so now. He’ll battle these allegations with the identical tenacity that characterised his 28-year profession. We stay up for our day in courtroom.”

Billups and Jones have been charged as a part of an investigation into rigged poker video games with alleged ties to the La Costa Nostra crime households.

Portland Path Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups walks to a automobile following his look in federal courtroom on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. (AP Photograph/Jenny Kane)

See also  Trump to announce move reducing impact of tariffs on auto manufacturers

NBA PLAYER TERRY ROZIER’S LAWYER SLAMS FBI AFTER ARREST

Billups and Jones have been allegedly known as “face playing cards,” who, in line with the indictment, “have been members of the Dishonest Groups and obtained a portion of the prison proceeds in trade for his or her participation within the scheme.” In keeping with the Justice Division, victims misplaced no less than $7.15 million because of the scheme, courting again to April 2019.

“Billups and Jones specifically have been used to lure victims to the Video games due to their standing as former skilled athletes,” the DOJ stated.

The DOJ added that in April 2019, Billups was one in every of 5 defendants who “organized and took part in rigged poker video games” in Las Vegas “utilizing a rigged shuffling machine” through which victims misplaced no less than $50,000. One of many defendants texted one other co-conspirator that Billups needed to lose a hand on function to keep away from dishonest.

Throughout that recreation, a defendant stated one of many victims “acted like he needed Chauncey to get his cash” as a result of he was “hit by Billups,” officers stated.

In October 2020, Billups allegedly wired $50,000 after a rigged poker recreation. Earlier than the match, Jones reportedly requested for a $10,000 advance and stated he wanted “dangerous” motion. He received $2,500.

In response to the teaching on how you can cheat, Jones responded, “Lol man y’all name Djones trigger y’all know I do know what I am doing!!” in line with the DOJ.

Portland Path Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups listens throughout a press convention, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. (AP Photograph/Jenny Kane)

See also  FCC chairman slams 'partisan left' reaction to Colbert's CBS cancellation

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Billups was a three-time All-Star and NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons.

Fox Information’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

Comply with Fox Information Digital’s sports reporting on X and subscribe to the Fox Information Sports activities Huddle publication.