Shams Gives 6-12 Months to Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups FBI Cases

The NBA has enjoyed an exciting start to the 2025-26 campaign, especially in terms of prime-time games, but shocking FBI investigation casts a dark cloud over the product. Two indictments were filed Thursday morning, resulting in the arrest of more than 30 people. Among the accused are Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Both posted bail and they are contesting the charges.

The FBI alleges that Billups was involved in a rigged poker game scheme organized by the mob. He is said to have acted as a “face card”, a prominent figure whose celebrity status was designed to attract more players to the table. Those who were cheated out of their money by technological means had no doubt that Billups or former NBA guard and Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Damon Jones allegedly knew the perpetrators.

Rozier’s allegations center around sports gambling, for which he was previously investigated by the NBA (against the Charlotte Hornets at the time). The indictment alleges that the former first-round draft pick informed childhood friend and former Minnesota and Kentucky quarterback De’Niro Laster that he would sit out the March 2023 game under the guise of an injury. The information was then allegedly passed on to bookmakers. Rozier submitted his phone to the NBA for further inspection and was ultimately allowed to move on without facing disciplinary action.

The FBI apparently believes it has gathered compelling evidence against him more than two and a half years later. Both Billups and Rozier have issued statements declaring their innocence. They seem ready to go into battle, that is it is expected to take a long time.

“It’s going to come down to how much more information the FBI can gather,” ESPN insider Shams Charania told “Inside the NBA.” Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier are going to battle it out, and from what I’m told, it’s going to be at least 6 to 12 months.

“It’s going to come down to what additional information the FBI can gather … Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier are going to fight it, and that’s going to take at least 6 to 12 months, I’m told.”

Shams Charania about the scandal that broke out today 🗣

(via @espn)pic.twitter.com/okZaN0Dk07

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 24, 2025

Damon Jones is named in both indictments (an individual with Billups’ career profile is also named as an accomplice in the sports betting case), and members and associates of several crime families have been arrested, but two active NBA figures are likely to receive the most media exposure.

The idea that a Hall of Famer turned head coach like Billups and current player in Rozier could be corrupt is deeply disturbing. If they are proven guilty, the league’s image could be irreparably damaged. Although, just like Charania said, it could be a whole year before we know their fate. They are currently on leave, with former San Antonio Spurs big man Thiago Splitter serving as the Trail Blazers’ interim HC.

Billups and Rozier’s respective legal teams will begin work on preparing a defense.