Former NBA champion and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges accusing him of participating in a mafia-linked illegal gambling operation that allegedly defrauded players out of millions of dollars. Billups appeared briefly in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, responding quietly as he entered his plea before the judge.
Details of the Alleged Scheme
Prosecutors allege Billups was involved in a secretive poker ring that used rigged equipment — including altered card-shuffling machines, special eyewear, and hidden cameras — to manipulate games. The high-stakes events were reportedly held in New York, Las Vegas, Miami, and the Hamptons, and federal investigators estimate players were cheated out of at least $7 million.
Court filings claim Billups served as a celebrity draw, helping organizers attract wealthy participants. Prosecutors also allege the operation was supported by members of organized-crime families, including the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonanno organizations. In one cited incident, Billups is said to have received a $50,000 payout after a manipulated poker game.
Release Conditions and Legal Developments
Billups was released on a $5 million bond secured by his Colorado home, with his daughter among the co-signers. As part of the conditions, he surrendered his passport, faces travel restrictions, and must meet financial reporting requirements while awaiting trial. Prosecutors told the judge they expect to turn over more than a terabyte of digital evidence once a protective order is finalized.
A follow-up hearing is scheduled for March 4, 2026. The court has not yet set a trial date.
Impact on Billups’ Career and Public Image
Billups, a five-time NBA All-Star and 2004 Finals MVP, has long been viewed as one of the league’s most respected figures. His coaching career, however, has been disrupted. The Portland Trail Blazers suspended him after his arrest, and the organization has not indicated when a decision on his future will be made.
His attorney has strongly denied the allegations and insisted Billups never gambled on NBA games nor knowingly engaged in criminal activity. The defense argues the case is overly broad, sweeping in more than 30 defendants across multiple indictments, including a related sports-betting investigation.
What Comes Next
If convicted on the most serious charges, Billups could face up to 20 years in prison. The case places a celebrated NBA veteran at the center of a sprawling federal probe, raising broader questions about the overlap between professional sports figures, underground gambling networks, and organized crime.
As proceedings move forward, Billups’ personal legacy and professional future remain clouded by the expanding investigation.
