The league is unveiling to all 30 teams the first steps to address problem gambling

Recently, the NBA world experienced a major shakeup when Miami guard Terry RozierPortland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billupsand former Cleveland Cavaliers player and assistant coach Damon Jones were arrested by the FBI on related but separate illegal gambling charges. The news went on to question the NBA’s close ties to various sportsbooks, as well as how many more scandals could be on the horizon.

Recently, Shams Charania of ESPN broke down the next steps the league is taking to solve the problem.

“The NBA has notified its 30 teams that the league has begun the process of reviewing injury reporting policies, training and education of all personnel, and enhancing internal and external monitoring programs to identify betting activities of concern,” Charania reported on E, formerly Twitter.

“While the unusual betting on Terry Rozier’s ‘under’ in the March 2023 game was detected in real-time because the bets were placed legally, we believe more can be done from a legal/regulatory perspective to protect the integrity of the NBA and our affiliate leagues. In particular, tip betting on individual player performance requires additional concerns regarding player integrity, including and increasing integrity” part.

Indeed, the game in which Rozier was out in early March 2023 was revealed almost immediately due to an influx of “pod” bets before that game, by which time Rozier had already spread the word that he would be out early.

A growing problem for the NBA

Many expected that as professional sports leagues continue to get into bed with gambling companies, scandals like the one the NBA is currently facing could begin to happen, but few could have predicted that things would happen this quickly, and that Hall of Famers like Chauncey Billups would be involved.

The NBA’s public relations team is sure to earn its paycheck this month as it tries to navigate growing calls from the sports world to ensure integrity in its game, even if it means cutting ties with sportsbooks and their millions of dollars.