NBA Stars Billups and Rozier Arrested in FBI Gambling Sting Tied to Mafia Crime Families

Two major NBA figures — Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier — were among 31 individuals arrested Thursday in a sweeping FBI sting operation targeting illegal gambling operations allegedly tied to the La Cosa Nostra crime families.

Fox News Digital confirmed that the arrests came after a multi-state investigation, dubbed Operation Zhen Diagram, which spanned 11 states and involved thousands of hours of wiretaps, surveillance, and undercover recordings. Among those also arrested was Damon Jones, a former NBA player and coach.

FBI: NBA Figures Helped Fuel Mafia Gambling Ring

In a statement to Fox News, FBI Director Kash Patel said the investigation uncovered a complex scheme where high-profile individuals, including NBA players and coaches, “used their positions of influence to rig gambling systems” — with proceeds allegedly funneled to organized crime networks.

“This operation involved an expansive effort… arresting 31 subjects, including multiple NBA players and coaches,” Patel stated. “Your winning streak has ended. Your luck has run out. Violating the law is a losing proposition — and you can bet on that.”

Charges and Allegations

• Terry Rozier, a starter for the Miami Heat, is accused of participating in a prop bet manipulation scheme — allegedly coordinating to influence game stats to benefit co-conspirators placing bets. He did not play in Wednesday night’s game vs. the Magic.

• Chauncey Billups, a Hall of Fame player and current Trail Blazers head coach, was reportedly tied to illegal poker games that used rigged shuffling devices and were attended by La Cosa Nostra members. The FBI confirmed his arrest is linked both to the poker ring and to broader Mafia ties.

• Damon Jones, a former NBA sharpshooter and ex-assistant with the Lakers, is accused of leaking inside team information to gambling associates during his time on NBA benches.

Mafia, Cryptocurrency, and Cheating Devices

The FBI said Operation Zhen Diagram was originally launched to monitor illicit poker games connected to Mafia figures. The ring reportedly laundered the gambling proceeds and at times converted them into cryptocurrency to evade federal detection.

Key to the operation was a confidential informant who secretly recorded over 3,000 calls and meetings, introducing undercover agents to members of the ring and documenting multiple rigged poker games.

Rozier’s Lawyer Slams “Perp Walk” Arrest

James Trusty, attorney for Rozier, released a statement blasting the FBI’s handling of his client’s arrest:

“They characterized Terry as a subject, not a target… It is unfortunate that instead of allowing him to self-surrender, they opted for a photo op. They wanted the misplaced glory of embarrassing a professional athlete with a perp walk.”

Trusty also claimed that Rozier was previously cleared by the NBA, accusing prosecutors of reviving a “non-case” and relying on “spectacularly in-credible sources” rather than evidence.

“Terry is not a gambler,” Trusty said, “but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight.”

What’s Next

The scandal comes amid heightened scrutiny of gambling in professional sports, particularly as betting becomes increasingly legalized and embedded within leagues.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said the FBI’s work is far from over, adding: “This is only the beginning.”

With NBA preseason wrapping up and the regular season days away, questions are now swirling around how deeply this investigation might reach — and how many more names might be involved.