NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups denies wrongdoing after arrest in FBI gambling probe

Portland Trail Blazers HC Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier were arrested by the FBI in an illegal gambling probe. Colin Cowherd reacts to the news and discusses what it means for the Trail Blazers.

Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, through a statement from his attorney, denied any wrongdoing after being among the more than 30 people arrested Thursday in connection with an FBI investigation into an alleged gambling ring with suspected links to New York crime families.

"Anyone who knows Chauncey Billups knows he is a man of integrity; men of integrity do not cheat and defraud others," a statement from attorney Chris Heywood read.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups walks to a vehicle after his federal court appearance on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. (Jenny Kane/AP)

"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."

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Heywood claimed Billups "has never and would never gamble on basketball games, provide insider information, or sacrifice the trust of his team and the League, as it would tarnish the game he has devoted his entire life to."

According to the statement, Billups and his legal team intend to "fight these allegations with the same tenacity that marked his 28-year career."

Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former player and assistant coach Damon Jones were charged as part of an investigation into rigged poker games with alleged ties to the La Cosa Nostra crime families. Billups and Jones, dubbed the "face cards," were