FBI Director Cache Patel announced on Thursday (23rd) that a large-scale illegal gambling ring, involving collusion between NBA players, coaches, and several mafia crime families, has been dismantled. This operation resulted in the arrest of 31 individuals involved in "game-fixing" gambling schemes. Authorities stated that more arrests may occur as the investigation progresses.

On Thursday morning, the FBI arrested Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.

Billups was arrested for his alleged involvement in an illegal poker ring operated by organized crime, while Rozier was arrested for gambling activities related to the 2023 season.

"What you don't know is this is an illegal gambling and game-fixing organization that has been operating for years," Patel said at a press conference that day. "The FBI spearheaded a coordinated sweep across 11 states, arresting more than 30 individuals connected to this scheme today."

He continued, "This case is ongoing. We have not only dismantled a fraudulent scheme perpetrated by these perpetrators on the grand stage of the NBA, but we have also built and executed a justice system against 'La Cosa Nostra' families, including the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese crime families."

"The charges and reasons for arrest filed across the country vary, including wire fraud, money laundering, extortion, robbery, and illegal gambling. The FBI will leave no stone unturned for those who commit crimes anywhere in the country."

According to reports from sources familiar with the scheme involving Billups, the games were rigged using technology and card-shuffling machines to favor the casino. The organization paid players to participate and win, and instructed them to lose when directed.

Rozier's arrest is related to a 2023 basketball game where unusual prop bet activity was observed, despite him playing only nine minutes.

Prop bets are wagers placed on events other than the final score, such as player statistics, key team events, or in-game occurrences. Examples include betting on a quarterback's passing yards, an NBA player's three-point makes, or an MLB player's home runs.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that friends of Rozier, who profited from his "tips," visited Rozier's home after the game to calculate their winnings.

Rozier was arrested early Thursday morning in Orlando, a few hours after the Heat's loss to the Orlando Magic.

"The NBA has become a hotbed for illegal gambling in sports," reported Breitbart News.

Guard Terry Rozier and 49-year-old former NBA player Damon Jones were arrested for their involvement in sharing illegal gambling information. Both individuals were linked to "game-fixing" schemes and an illegal poker ring, allegedly operated by the mafia, according to the FBI.

The investigation into this matter was conducted by the FBI from January 2022 to March 2024. During this period, Rozier and Jones are accused of sharing information regarding injuries and players who would not be participating in games.

Jones, a close friend of Lakers star LeBron James, told ring members on February 9, 2023, that James was injured and would not be playing in the Lakers' game against the Bucks.

According to the indictment, Jones wrote, "Bet big on Milwaukee tonight before the info drops!" The Lakers lost the game that day, and James was not charged with any crime.

NNP=Seong-gu Hong, Chief Correspondent / Special Dispatch NNP info@newsandpost.com