Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups appeared in court on Monday and it seems this trial could take a while to resolve. Billups is facing money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy charges after allegedly participating in rigged poker games.
Billups is one of the many defendants implicated in this gambling investigation, prompting the Blazers to replace Billups with interim head coach Tiago Splitter. On Monday, footage of Billups leaving the court after the plea arraignment went viral.
Chauncey Billups Is Accused of Being a Central Figure in Illegal Gambling Scheme
Ever since Adam Silver took over as NBA Commissioner, he has done his best to ensure that the league’s reputation and image are protected at all costs. As a result, it is no surprise that the league fully cooperated with the FBI’s investigation.
Billups, who has largely remained out of sight ever since the news of his arrest broke, was forced to face many members of the media present outside the court. It was soon revealed that the Blazers’ head coach had pleaded not guilty, meaning a lengthy trial is likely coming.
#BREAKING: Portland Trail Blazers coach, former Detroit Pistons great and basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups appeared in a New York court to face charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and at least one other former NBA player.
He… pic.twitter.com/v1p67Ylbl1
— The Detroit News (@detroitnews) November 24, 2025
US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. believes that Billups was the “face card” behind the entire illegal operation and was responsible for convincing wealthy individuals to participate in the betting games that took place in Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and the Hamptons. These games were allegedly rigged by the Mafia, making it impossible for them to win.
According to the investigators, Billups and the other defendants used rigged card-shuffling machines, poker chip trays, and even special contact lenses or eyeglasses that could read pre-marked cards to deceive wealthy individuals into spending a substantial amount of money.
Of course, Billups is innocent until proven guilty. Billups insists on his innocence and will now have his day in court to prove the charges false. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the judge set Billups’ bail at $5 million. The NBA legend used his Colorado mansion as collateral, with his wife and daughter co-signing the bond.
Although there are over 30 defendants associated with this case, it is expected to proceed without significant delay. “I want things to start in September of next year,” US District Judge Ramon Reyes told prosecutors, according to CNN.
In any case, this case will continue to garner media attention and turn heads as new details are made public.
