Rozier, along with five others, is accused of manipulating betting by faking injuries. Billups is implicated in a scheme involving rigged poker games that reportedly involved several mafia families in New York, targeting victims by luring them to play with former athletes and using sophisticated cheating technology.
The NBA has placed both Rozier and Billups on immediate leave as it reviews the allegations. Rozier’s lawyer has denied the charges, asserting that the player is not guilty. The FBI described the arrests as part of a coordinated operation across 11 states, with significant sums of money involved in fraudulent activities.
Prosecutors indicated that several NBA games were under scrutiny, with Rozier allegedly influencing a game by claiming an injury, resulting in substantial betting profits for others. The poker scheme reportedly defrauded victims of millions, utilizing advanced cheating methods and intimidation tactics.
This investigation highlights the growing intersection of sports and illegal gambling, following the legalization of sports betting in many states since 2018.
