NBA stars and Mafia among 30 arrested in massive sports betting and gambling probe: Live updates
Recap: What we learned about the ‘historic’ FBI sports gambling investigations
FBI director Kash Patel on Thursday hailed the “historic” investigations into sports-rigging and illegal gambling – which was in part connected to the Mafia.
Here’s a recap of the Thursday press conference:
- A total of 34 people in “over 11 states” were arrested in connection to illegal gambling and sports rigging operations
- Among those arrested were NBA stars Damon Jones and Terry Rozier, and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Cauncey Billups
- 13 members of the Bonnano, Gambino and Genovese crime families – part of the infamous Cosa Nostra – were also arrested
- One investigation centered on illegal betting on various NBA games, where players used “non-public information” to inform bets
- Another probed underground poker games, where “high-tech cheating technology” was used to steal millions from unwitting victims
Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 16:25
‘Quarterbacks,’ ‘face cards’ and spy tech: How the Mafia allegedly teamed up with NBA stars to rip off high-stakes poker games
A basketball coach in the NBA’s hall of fame and alleged members of the American Mafia are embroiled in what federal prosecutors are calling a years-long scheme to swindle millions of dollars from high rollers who had no chance of winning.
Alex Woodward dives into the detail of the stunning indictments:
Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 20:40
Portland Trail Blazers release a statement following FBI investigation
The Portland Trail Blazers have released a statement following the FBI investigation, announcing Tiago Splitter as interim coach.
“We are aware of the allegations involving head coach Chauncey Billups, and the Trail Blazers are fully cooperating with the investigation,” the statement read.
“Billups has been placed on immediate leave, and Tiago Splitter will assume head coaching duties in the interim. Any further questions should be directed to the NBA.”
Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 20:28
Kash Patel says ‘corruption has consequences’
Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 19:43
White House press secretary asked if Trump gambled following FBI probe
Leavitt said she wasn’t sure.
“You know, I’m not sure. I don’t think he does. I’ve been with him for quite some time and I’ve never seen him gamble,” she said during a press conference Thursday.
Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 19:31
Watch: Mafia gambling ring used NBA stars to lure players into rigged poker games, FBI says
Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 19:16
NYPD Commissioner says gambling operations used ‘mob enforcement methods’
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the illegal gambling operations, which took place across the country used “traditional mob enforcement methods.”
“These defendants did what organized crime has always done,” she told reporters Thursday.
“They use threats, they use intimidation, and they used violence. It’s the same pattern that we have seen for decades.
“Traditional mob enforcement methods combined with new technology to expand the reach of their operation.”
Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 18:58
NBA Players Association responds to FBI investigation
The NBA Players Association has responded to the news of the FBI investigation.
“The integrity of the game is paramount to NBA players, but so is the presumption of innocence, and both are hindered when player popularity is misused to gain attention,” an NBPA spokesperson said in a statement.
“We will ensure our members are protected and afforded their due process rights through this process.”
Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 18:44
ICYMI: NBA star and head coach arrested in gambling probes as FBI arrests have potential to rock the sport
Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 18:31
LeBron James dragged into FBI investigation
NBA legend LeBron James has been dragged into the FBI game-rigging investigation
Details of the Lakers champion’s injury status were sold by his former coach Damon Jones as part of a massive prop betting scheme, according to court documents.
Jones allegedly sent a message to one of the betting ring members in February 2023 telling a friend to place a large bet on the Lakers’ opponent the Milwaukee Bucks, because James would be out with an injury that night, sources told The New York Post.
Jones is a former Cleveland Cavaliers player and was an “unofficial assistant coach” for the Lakers during the 2022-2023 season.
Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 18:18
