Anferni Simmons ‘in shock’ over Chauncey Billups’ arrest

Just a few hours after training Portland Trail Blazers to a 118-114 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chauncey Billups was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. The investigation claimed that Billups was involved in an illegal gambling ring with members and associates of organized crime families La Coza Nostra.’

Now, the former Trail Blazer Anfernee Simmons there is he expressed shock upon arrest.

“It definitely hit me pretty hard. Just in shock. And obviously I have a great relationship with Chauncey. Even after the trade, he’s checking me out and I’m checking him out,” he said, per The Athletic’s Jay King.

Anfernee Simmons on Chauncey Billups news: “It sure hit me pretty hard. Just in shock. And obviously I have a great relationship with Chauncey. Even after the trade, he’s checking me out and I’m checking him out. So we’ve had a great relationship and I think I…

— Jay King (@BiJaiKing) October 24, 2025

Billups arrived in Portland back in June 2021 and immediately helped Simmons become a high-scoring guard.

“So we had a great relationship and I think, like I said before, it’s an unfortunate situation for him, especially for him and his family, all the media attention that’s coming, the scrutiny. It’s just an unfortunate situation,” he continued.

Prosecutors claim the poker ring used Billups as a recognizable “face card” to lure victims with promises of playing against celebrities. The poker scheme is separate from a broader federal investigation that also includes an insider sports betting case involving other defendants.

Authorities say the poker games were rigged in several hubs as of 2019, including Manhattan, the Hamptons, Las Vegas and Miami, according to Reuters. Investigators describe sophisticated cheating technology in those games, including modified shuffling machines that read decks, an X-ray poker table to detect face-down cards, and systems of marked cards visible through special contact lenses or glasses.

Officials said the poker scheme defrauded victims of at least $7 million, with some individual losses reaching seven figures. Billups appeared in federal court in Portland after his arrest and is expected to post a substantial bond as the case continues.