FBI press conference previews Raptors-Rangers all-time matchup

ESPN reported Thursday that the FBI has arrested dozens of individuals in connection with an investigation into sports gambling as well as an investigation into fixed poker games linked to mob families in New York. Among those arrested were Miami guard Terry Rozier as well as the Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and former Cleveland Cavaliers player and coach Damon Jones.

On Thursday, the FBI gave an update on the case and one of their spokespersons made a humiliating gaffe when describing some of the allegations.

“The indictment cites specific examples in which the defendants profited from illegal gambling and illegal betting on various NBA games on the performance of players, including the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Rangers. Each defendant in the NBA basketball gambling conspiracy case is charged with conspiracy and association with gambling. money laundering”.

The Rangers are of course the hockey team from New York, while the Raptors are the NBA team from Toronto, who opened the season with an impressive road win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.

At this point, it’s unclear whether these remarks were just a misstatement or a sign of something fundamentally wrong with the FBI’s allegations.

A big investigation

In all, there are reportedly three people charged in connection with both the mob-fixed poker scandal and the sports gambling investigation, one of them being Damon Jones, who played and coached for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Meanwhile, Terry Rozier was the DNP coach’s decision for the Miami Heat during their season-opening loss to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday and had his name in the headlines all last season after it was initially reported that he was under investigation for potential gambling activities.

Overall, the fallout from this scandal could have huge ramifications for Adam Silver and the NBA as they continue to forge more partnerships with sportsbooks and make the gambling scene more committed to basketball.