NBA coach pleads not guilty to charges in illegal gambling case

Fox News senior correspondent Eric Shawn discusses the NBA gambling scandal and the outlook on future court proceedings on ‘America’s Newsroom.’

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from his alleged role in an illegal gambling case, which at least one other ex-player was also caught up in.

The Basketball Hall of Famer was arraigned in federal court in New York City on money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy charges. Billups was accused of being involved in a mob-backed scheme to rig illegal poker games in New York, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons.

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Portland Trail Blazers' head coach Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty in Brooklyn federal court, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Chris Heywood, Billups’ lawyer, denied the charges against his client.

"To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall of Fame legacy, his reputation and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game," Heywood said on Oct. 23.

Marc Mukasey, another lawyer for Billups, declined to comment to reporters after the not guilty plea was entered.

Billups, 49, was released on a $5 million bond secured by his family’s Colorado home. He is prohibited from gambling and can have no contact with other defendants or alleged victims. He surrendered his passport and can only travel to seven states, including Oregon and New York, and Washington, D.C.

Portland Trail Blazers' head coach Chauncey Billups leaves Brooklyn federal court, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

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