Blazers in Turmoil: Coach Billups Arrested in Gambling Scheme

BREAKING: The Portland Trail Blazers face a shocking crisis as head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested early Thursday morning in connection with a massive illegal poker scheme that allegedly defrauded victims of at least $7 million. Billups was taken into custody at his home in Lake Oswego, Oregon, just hours after the Blazers’ disappointing season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 25, 2023.

Amidst this turmoil, the Blazers took to the court under interim coach Tiago Splitter for their game against the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. The mood in the locker room was notably somber as players grappled with the fallout from Billups’ arrest. “It’s not an easy situation. We’re thinking about him and his family,” said forward Deni Avdija. “I really love Chauncey and what he’s done for this organization.”

Federal law enforcement officials revealed that Billups and Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat were among 31 individuals arrested in relation to the gambling operation. The investigation uncovered ties to organized crime, implicating members from multiple Mafia families. The NBA has since placed both Billups and Rozier on administrative leave pending further developments.

In the wake of Billups’ arrest, the Blazers have made an urgent shift, appointing Splitter—who joined the coaching staff in June—as interim head coach. Splitter expressed the team’s resolve to move forward despite the challenges, stating, “Not great, not great. But like I said, we’ve got to move forward. We have a great opportunity in front of us to have a good season with this team and I’m excited about that.”

The arrest comes at a time when the Blazers were riding a wave of optimism, having welcomed back beloved guard Damian Lillard. Although Lillard is recovering from an Achilles injury, he received a warm standing ovation during the season opener, signaling the high expectations fans had for the season. “I was stunned. Shocked. I think everybody was,” said fan Mitch Weaver, who attended Friday’s game. “We had Dame back. Everything was looking up.”

Billups, 49, was charged with conspiracy to fix high-stakes poker games. His involvement in the gambling scheme has cast a shadow over the team, which had recently signed him to a multiyear contract extension in April. Last season, he led the Blazers to a 36-46 record, marking the fourth consecutive year the team missed the playoffs.

The uncertainty surrounding the team’s leadership and future direction is palpable. Tom Dundon, owner of the Carolina Hurricanes, recently finalized a deal to purchase the Blazers, promising to keep the team in Portland. However, with Billups’ arrest, questions loom over the stability of the franchise.

As the Blazers prepare to face the Warriors, all eyes are on Splitter and the players to see how they will navigate this unprecedented situation. The next steps for the team will be critical as they look to stabilize both on and off the court amid the chaos.

This developing story is a stark reminder of the intersection of sports and legal issues, and fans are left hoping for a swift resolution as the Blazers aim to turn the page on this tumultuous chapter.