In a shocking development on Thursday morning, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were taken into custody by federal authorities as part of an FBI investigation into illegal sports gambling activities.

Rozier was arrested in Orlando, Florida, shortly after the Heat’s game against the Orlando Magic, while Billups was detained in Portland, Oregon. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York are expected to hold a press conference detailing the charges.​

Rozier, a 10-year NBA veteran who joined the Heat in 2024, is alleged to have been involved in a gambling scheme related to wagering on his own performance during a March 2023 game when he was still with the Charlotte Hornets.

Suspicious betting patterns surfaced around his statistical props, prompting sportsbooks to halt wagering on him. At the time, Rozier left the game early citing a foot injury. The case ties to an earlier scandal involving former NBA player Jontay Porter, who admitted to conspiring to manipulate performance for betting purposes.​

Chauncey Billups’ Arrest Linked to Illegal Poker Ring

Billups, a Hall of Fame player and current Blazers coach, was arrested separately in connection with a different illegal gambling investigation — an illegal high-stakes poker ring allegedly involving organized crime.

Authorities state Billups' arrest is unrelated to any games he has coached. This marks a rare instance where a head coach becomes embroiled in federal gambling charges, intensifying scrutiny around NBA integrity.​

Bigger Implications for the NBA

This twin arrest follows heightened NBA focus on illegal gambling following the Jontay Porter case in 2024, which resulted in Porter's lifetime ban.

The league and law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to detect and prosecute any involvement in wagering schemes or game manipulation.

Commissioner Adam Silver has voiced support for stricter regulations to fortify the sport's integrity. The arrests of Rozier and Billups send a clear message of zero tolerance as investigations continue.