Report Claims Over 150 NBA Players Named in Ongoing Court Case
In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the NBA, over 150 new names have emerged in connection with a major gambling scandal, leading to the arrest of more than 30 individuals, including high-profile players and coaches. As federal investigations unfold, the basketball community is grappling with the implications of this integrity crisis, which has been described as one of the most significant in modern NBA history.
A Chaotic Unveiling
On October 23, 2025, just two days into the new NBA season, the league was thrown into chaos when federal authorities announced the arrests of notable figures, including Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. The FBI’s investigation revealed a complex web of illegal gambling operations that exploited insider information and involved organized crime.
FBI Director Cash Patel detailed the sophisticated schemes, which included high-tech methods such as X-ray tables capable of reading face-down cards, rigged shufflers, and hidden cameras used to manipulate poker games. The investigation, dubbed “Operation Nothing But Net,” has implicated several players and coaches, raising serious questions about the integrity of the sport.
High-Profile Arrests
Among those arrested were Chauncey Billups, a five-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer, and Terry Rozier, known as “Scary Terry,” who has a lucrative contract worth $26.6 million annually. Their involvement in the scandal highlights the depth of corruption within the league, as federal prosecutors allege that insider information about player injuries and game strategies was used to orchestrate fraudulent betting operations.
The charges against Rozier stem from a March 2023 game where he left early due to a foot injury, coinciding with a suspicious increase in betting activity on his under performance. Billups’s arrest is linked to an illegal poker operation tied to organized crime, further complicating his legacy as a coach.
The Scope of the Investigation
The unsealed indictments reveal two primary schemes: one involving insider betting operations that capitalized on non-public NBA information, and another centered around a mafia-backed underground poker ring that used NBA celebrities to lure wealthy victims into rigged games. Prosecutors allege that these operations defrauded sports books and bettors out of tens of millions of dollars.
Federal authorities have made it clear that this investigation is far from over, with more names expected to surface. ESPN’s David Purum has indicated that insiders are describing the current revelations as merely the “tip of the iceberg.”
Immediate Fallout for the NBA
The timing of these arrests could not be worse for the NBA, occurring right at the start of the season when excitement is at its peak. Instead of celebrating the return of basketball, the league is now facing scrutiny and damage control. Viewership reportedly dropped 10 to 15% year-over-year as fans question the legitimacy of the games they are watching.
In response, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver placed both Rozier and Billups on indefinite leave, with the Trail Blazers appointing assistant coach Thiago Splitter as interim head coach. The league has also acknowledged its failure to adequately educate personnel about the risks of gambling, suggesting a need for enhanced training and oversight.
Repercussions and Future Developments
The fallout from this scandal is extensive, affecting not only the individuals involved but also the league’s reputation as a whole. Billups, who was celebrated for his contributions to the game, now faces a tarnished legacy. Rozier’s future with the Heat is uncertain, as his contract could be voided if he is convicted, creating potential salary cap relief for the franchise.
The NBA Players Association has urged caution, emphasizing the importance of due process for the accused. Current players have expressed a mix of shock and disappointment, with some rallying in support of their teammates. However, the broader implications of this scandal are significant, as it raises serious concerns about the integrity of the league.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
As the investigation continues, the NBA is at a crossroads. The league must address the systemic issues that have allowed such corruption to flourish, especially in light of its embrace of sports betting following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that legalized it across most of the United States. The potential for further indictments looms large, and the league’s commitment to integrity will be tested in the months to come.
The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with gambling in sports. As the NBA navigates this crisis, it will need to implement significant reforms to restore trust and ensure the integrity of the game moving forward. The consequences of this scandal will be felt for years, as players, coaches, and fans alike grapple with the reality of a league shaken to its core.