There are many instances where we hear about many scandals in sports, and there is another one unfolding. In a federal case, that has been unfolding since Thursday, after arresting Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player, Terry Rozier. This has been an ongoing investigation into sports’ betting and illicit “fixed’ poker games.
The investigation began in January of this year, as speculated betting that raised concerns. It describes illegal activity that Chauncey Billups participated in and was at the forefront as being a vital piece in attracting the poker players and high-profile players to games that took place in Las Vegas, Miami, Hamptons and Manhattan. With the use of automated shuffling and X-ray tables, back in 2019 they noticed the issue of him winning too often, and thus created another part of the scheme for him to have to purposely lose the games to continue to have players raking in the cash and estimated over $7 million dollars These games were even supported by the La Cosa Nostra mafia family. Also involving different crime members of well-known families like the Gambino, Genovese, Bonanno and Lucchese families.
Leading to an even, and deeper trail behind the illegal betting. The first case is called “Operation Nothing but Bet” and is for the sports betting which Terry Rozier was charged, even reporting that in one game back in March 23,2023 he took himself out of the game in approximately close 9 minutes and 34 seconds, with an alleged “foot injury” and thus being able to tip the wagers off and being able to win bets that were rigged. With the information being given to participants betting and knowing classified information on certain players and plays it gave an illegal advantage of winning and creating the unlawful cash flow.
The second case is called “Operation Royal Flush” a part of the criminal poker games that were prohibited, but having been supplied by the help of the crime families mentioned above for protection and helping to get debts owed handled and taking a portion of the money. Also using banned devices meant for cheating such as automatic shuffle tables, poker trays that could automatically read cards with a concealed camera and card reading table. Chauncey Billups and this case also span over many other players and members of the NBA organization. Damon Jones, ex Cavalier player turned assistant coach also arrested in this involvement of this second outlawed operation. In which using this information of who would win the game based on their hand and providing it to a second party and let the other scammers on this knowledge as well.
In total more than thirty individuals have been charged and now begin the legal proceedings. There is still speculation, for their recognized character and sportsmanship if they did commit these crimes? The bigger question is if this, will this change the awareness or feelings toward a beloved sport for many of its loyal viewers?
