Chauncey Billups Pleads Not Guilty in Alleged Mafia-Linked Poker scheme
Detroit Pistons legend and current portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has pleaded not guilty to charges related to an illegal poker operation wiht alleged ties to New York Mafia families, according to prosecutors. Billups was among those arrested in connection with the scheme, accused of sharing proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonanno crime families in exchange for operating within their illicit poker games.
Prosecutors allege Mafia members enforced debts and ensured the operation’s success through acts of violence, including assault, extortion, and robbery.
Billups, a 17-year NBA veteran who played for the Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Clippers, is particularly revered in Detroit, where he earned the nickname ”Mr. Big Shot” for his clutch performances. He won an NBA Finals MVP award with the Pistons in 2004 and had his No. 1 jersey retired by the team.
Following his retirement in 2014, Billups transitioned to television analysis before becoming a coach. He was hired by the trail Blazers in 2021 and recently signed a multiyear extension despite the team missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season in 2024. He previously served as an assistant coach with the Los angeles Clippers.
Following his arrest, Billups was placed on unpaid leave by the Trail Blazers, who have appointed assistant coach Tiago Splitter as interim head coach.
