The new update comes after Pablo Torre linked Kevin Garnett to a poker scandal

Like various reports originating from the Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups arrested on gambling charges continue to appear, one of investigative reporter Pablo Torre tied the Hall of Fame Kevin Garnett on the poker scandal. Torre linked Garnett to the recent scandal in the NBAsuggesting that Garnett may have attended a poker game that was part of a scheme to lure gamblers into fixed games back in 2019.

However, one of Tore’s the sources came forward with an update on Garnett’s motives on the night in question, when many former NBA players were playing at private poker games hosted by those charged by the DOJ in “Operation Flush,” according to Torre’s X, formerly Twitter.

“A source close to Kevin Garnett says that Garnett initially thought he was going to an ‘afterparty’ – not a poker game,” Torre said. “And that he decided to leave the 2019 poker game, which was in LA, early. Federal authorities have not contacted Garnett, according to the source.”

Garnett, a former teammate of Billups’ from his days with the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2000 to 2002, is a close friend of the Trail Blazers’ head coach. Billups’ encouragement was one of many stepping stones that led to Garnett’s decision to sign with the Boston Celtics in 2007, culminating in the 2004 MVP’s first — and only — championship in 2008.

As Pablo Torre continues to dig into the poker scandal, Garnett likely won’t be the last former NBA player we hear connected to Billups or this gambling scandal, as other names are sure to be released in the next few weeks.

Chauncey Billups has released a statement denying the gambling allegations

Blazers coach Chauncey Billups released a statement denying allegations of gambling and any illegal activity. Billups and his lawyer will fight the chargesas reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

“Anyone who knows Chauncey Billups knows that he is a man of integrity; men of integrity do not cheat or deceive others. To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government accuses him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall of Fame legacy, his reputation and his freedom. He would not jeopardize anything, let alone Billow’s ticket,” the lawyer reads.

Billups appeared in federal court on Thursday.