The NBA has placed Portland Trail Blazers’ head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier on immediate leave following their reported involvement in an ongoing federal gambling investigation. The move sent shockwaves across the league, raising fresh concerns about the integrity of professional basketball at a time when sports betting is more intertwined with the game than ever before.
Chauncey Billups: From Leader to Uncertainty
Appointed as the Trail Blazers’ head coach in 2021, Chauncey Billups was seen as the man to guide Portland through a critical rebuilding phase. The former NBA Finals MVP had recently earned a contract extension in April 2025, a sign of the organization’s faith in his leadership.
That confidence was shaken when federal authorities announced an investigation into an alleged illegal gambling and poker operation involving more than 30 individuals. Court documents reportedly describe a “co-conspirator” fitting Billups’ profile — an NBA coach accused of sharing inside information related to team strategies and potential game outcomes.
Portland acted swiftly, naming Tiago Splitter as interim head coach while Billups remains on leave. For a franchise already balancing roster transitions and front-office changes, the disruption could not have come at a worse time.
Terry Rozier: A Star Caught in the Crossfire
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, known for his fearless scoring and veteran leadership, also finds himself at the center of the same federal probe. The allegations date back to his time with the Charlotte Hornets, where he is accused of tipping associates about his early exit from a 2023 game due to injury — information that allegedly led to over $200,000 in profitable prop bets on his performance.
Rozier’s suspension leaves a major void in Miami’s backcourt. The Heat, who had counted on his offensive spark for the upcoming season, now face both competitive and reputational challenges as they distance themselves from the controversy.
In a brief statement, the NBA said it would fully cooperate with federal authorities, emphasizing that “the integrity of the game remains our top priority.” The league is expected to review its own gambling and conduct policies as the investigation unfolds.
