Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges alleging he profited from rigged poker games involving mobsters and at least one other former NBA player. The Hall of Famer faces charges of money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Billups was arraigned in federal court in New York City and released on a $5 million bond. He used his home in Colorado as collateral, with his daughter Cydney, manager of team and player services for the Minnesota Timberwolves, co-signing the bond.
Prosecutors allege the 49-year-old five-time All-Star took part in a scheme that defrauded victims of approximately $7 million beginning in 2019. The operation involved rigged poker games in Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons using sophisticated technology including modified card shuffling machines, hidden cameras and X-ray machines.
Billups is said to have served as a “face card” for celebrities to lure wealthy, unsuspecting players to the games. Prosecutors say he received portions of ill-gotten gains, including a $50,000 wire transfer after a rigged contest in October 2020.
Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones was also charged in the alleged poker scheme. Jones faces additional charges along with Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in a separate scheme involving inside information about NBA players.
The scheme’s organizers shared the proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno crime families because they operated in their territory, prosecutors said. Mafia members are alleged to have helped commit violent acts, including assault, extortion and theft, to ensure debt repayment and operational success.
Billups was placed on unpaid leave by the Trail Blazers, who named assistant coach Tiago Splitter as interim coach. The 2004 NBA Finals MVP earned approximately $106 million during his 17-year playing career.
All 31 defendants are due back in court on March 4 and the trial will begin in September 2026.
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