Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups arrested in FBI sports betting investigation

American professional basketball faces a new crisis. On Thursday morning, the FBI arrested Terry Rozier, guard for the Miami Heat, and Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. Authorities suspect them of being involved in a large illegal betting network.

Investigation dates back to 2023

It all started in March 2023, during a game between the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans. At that time, Rozier was still playing for Charlotte. That night, betting platforms noticed unusual activity: many bettors wagered on the player’s underperformance.

Gradually, the situation caught investigators’ attention. In less than an hour, a professional placed 30 bets totaling $13,759. They bet on statistics below predictions for Rozier – points, rebounds, and assists. Facing these anomalies, several sites quickly reacted and immediately suspended betting on him.

Eventually, Rozier only played ten minutes before leaving the court, citing a foot injury. This game became his last in a Hornets jersey. Later, in January 2024, he joined the Miami Heat, marking a turning point in his career.

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested early Thursday morning as part of an FBI sports betting investigation, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Rozier was arrested Thursday morning at a hotel in Orlando, Florida. The Heat lost Wednesday to the Orlando Magic; Rozier did not…

— ESPN (@espn) October 23, 2025

Separate charges for Billups

Meanwhile, Chauncey Billups faces very different accusations. Investigators accuse him of participating in an illegal poker network linked to the mafia. The former NBA player, now coach of the Trail Blazers, was arrested in Oregon. He is scheduled to appear in court this Thursday.

Meanwhile, Rozier, 31, begins the final season of his four-year, $96.3 million contract. According to the FBI, he was part of a six-person group that used insider information to organize criminal betting on NBA games. Investigators see him as a central figure in this case.

FBI goes on the offensive

During a press conference in New York, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrests. He also specified that two indictments targeted illegal sports betting and poker networks. According to him, this operation demonstrates the Bureau’s commitment to fighting corruption in professional sports more firmly.

Finally, this case echoes that of Jontay Porter, former Toronto Raptors player, who was banned for life from the NBA in 2024 for a similar betting scheme. At the time, Porter admitted to fixing his performance in two games during the 2023-2024 season. As a result, the league now fears another scandal of comparable magnitude.