NEW YORK (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier have been arrested in connection with a federal investigation into sports betting and illegal gambling, according to sources who spoke to the Associated Press.
The details regarding the specific charges against Rozier and Billups have not been disclosed. Rozier was arrested early Thursday morning in Orlando after participating in the Heat’s season opener against the Magic, though he did not play in that game.
Following the incident, the NBA had no immediate comment. Reports suggest that this is not the first time Rozier has been scrutinized; the league previously investigated him along with former player Malik Beasley for various concerns related to gambling.
An earlier investigation supposedly cleared Rozier from wrongdoing, as stated by his lawyer Jim Trusty after he met with NBA and FBI officials in 2023. However, renewed scrutiny over a March 23, 2023 game between the Hornets and Pelicans has raised questions, specifically regarding Rozier's unexpected exit during the match.
The U.S. attorney's office in Brooklyn, which brought the current case, had previously prosecuted former NBA player Jontay Porter, who pleaded guilty to similar allegations of manipulating performance for betting advantage.
As the investigation unfolds, FBI director Kash Patel is expected to reveal more information at a scheduled news conference later today.
