Operation Nothing But Net: NBA Stars Implicated in Illegal Sports Gambling and Poker Rigging Schemes
Federal authorities have revealed that over 30 individuals in 11 states, including prominent figures like Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player Damon Jones, have been implicated in illegal sports gambling and poker rigging schemes linked to organized crime. The investigations, led by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, have resulted in charges ranging from wire fraud to money laundering and extortion. The ongoing probe does not currently involve college basketball, according to federal prosecutors.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the arrests as "extraordinary," highlighting the extensive fraud uncovered in the schemes. The operation, named "Operation Nothing But Net," exposed fraudulent sports bets placed by current and former NBA players and revealed high-stakes poker games allegedly rigged with advanced cheating technology. The investigation also dealt a significant blow to organized crime families, including the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese, and Luchei groups.
The illegal activities involved in the case included faking injuries to influence game outcomes, laundering proceeds through various means such as shell companies and cryptocurrency transfers, and using sophisticated cheating technologies in underground poker games. The suspects allegedly used altered self-shuffling machines to read cards and predict winning hands, transmitting this information to designated players to gain an unfair advantage. The poker games were reportedly backed by the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese families, with some defendants having direct ties to these criminal organizations.
Among those arrested were NBA figures like Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones, who faced charges related to the sports betting and poker rigging cases. Jones, a former Cleveland Cavaliers player and assistant coach, was implicated in both investigations for providing inside information about NBA games to co-defendants. Rozier, a seasoned NBA veteran, criticized the handling of his arrest, emphasizing that he was cleared by the NBA and is prepared to defend himself against the allegations. Billups, a respected NBA figure, has not commented on the charges brought against him.
The coordinated efforts of federal authorities across multiple states led to the arrests of individuals involved in the illegal gambling and poker rigging schemes. The investigations shed light on the extent of fraud and criminal activities within the sports and gambling industries, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and enforcement against such illicit practices.