Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups Pleads Not Guilty in Poker Scheme Case
BROOKLYN, NY – Former NBA star Chauncey Billups entered a plea of not guilty Monday to two federal charges related to an alleged rigged poker game scheme with ties to the Mafia. The arraignment took place at a Brooklyn courthouse following Billups’ arrest last month as part of a 31-defendant indictment.
Billups was released on a $5 million bond, secured by his Colorado home and co-signed by his wife and daughter, who were present in court to offer support. Dressed in a gray suit and white shirt, the Hall of Famer spoke only a handful of words during the two-hour proceeding, primarily responding “yes” to questions from the judge.
Also appearing in court was Damon Jones, another defendant named in the indictment. While both men are accused of acting as “lures” – attracting potential victims to the games – their current legal positions differ. Jones, who also faces charges related to illegal sports gambling on NBA games, was released on a $200,000 bond and is represented by a court-appointed attorney. Billups has retained prominent trial lawyer Marc Mukasey, previously counsel to President Donald Trump.
Federal prosecutors allege Billups participated in at least two rigged poker games, receiving a $50,000 payment through an intermediary following a 2020 game. Authorities have identified a total of 25 rigged games as part of the investigation. A prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York indicated that plea negotiations are underway with some of the defendants.
Judge Ramon Reyes, overseeing the case, expressed a desire for the proceedings to begin by September of next year, urging all parties to prepare accordingly.
Billups, who was placed on unpaid leave by the NBA last month following his arrest, is no longer the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. He is next scheduled to appear in court on March 4, 2026, for a status hearing.
Leaving the courthouse surrounded by bodyguards, family, and his attorney, Billups did not address the assembled media. A passerby on a bicycle called out to him, stating, “What’s up, Chauncey? The Blazers need you.”
