The criminal enterprise was allegedly run by the Genovese, Gambino, and Bonanno crime families.
The FBI announced on Oct. 23 that it has charged Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups in probes related to illegal gambling. Former NBA player Damon Jones was also arrested.
The three were arrested on Thursday, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
“We are here in New York to announce a historic arrest across a wide, sweeping criminal enterprise that envelops both the NBA and La Cosa Nostra,” Patel said at a press conference in Brooklyn announcing the arrests.
The criminal enterprise was allegedly run by the Genovese, Gambino, and Bonanno crime families, according to the FBI.
The Epoch Times has reached out to the NBA, Heat, and Trail Blazers for comment.
The NBA has cooperated with the investigation, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Joseph Nocella Jr. said.
Billups played in the NBA for 17 years, suiting up for the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Clippers. A five-time All-Star, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame last year.
He has been the Trail Blazers’ head coach since 2021.
Rozier has been in the NBA for 10 years. He did not play in the Heat’s loss to the Orlando Magic on Oct. 22 due to a hamstring injury. Before playing for the Heat, Rozier played for the Celtics and Charlotte Hornets.
Rozier and Billups will be arraigned in federal court in Orlando and Portland, respectively, on Thursday afternoon.
About 40 people have been taken into custody in connection with the gambling operation.
