UPDATE: Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has been arrested in connection with a sprawling alleged poker scheme, sending shockwaves through the NBA just as the new season kicks off. Billups, along with Miami Heat player Terry Rozier, was taken into custody on October 25, 2023, for purportedly participating in a conspiracy to fix high-stakes card games, cheating victims out of at least $7 million.
The arrest occurred early Thursday morning at Billups’ home in Lake Oswego, Oregon, mere hours after the Blazers suffered a disappointing loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their season opener. The team has since appointed assistant coach Tiago Splitter as interim head coach amidst the turmoil.
The mood was somber in the Blazers’ locker room ahead of their game against the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. Players were reluctant to speak on the matter. Forward Deni Avdija expressed the team’s sentiments, stating, “It’s not an easy situation. We’re thinking about him and his family. We really love Chauncey and what he’s done for this organization.”
Following the arrests, the NBA has placed both Billups and Rozier on leave. Splitter, a former NBA player, addressed the media, revealing the emotional toll on the team. “Not great, not great. But like I said, we’ve got to move forward; we’ve got a job to do,” he said.
As the Blazers begin the season with optimism, the unexpected scandal has cast a shadow over the team’s promising future. With rising stars like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, the franchise had been generating positive buzz. The return of fan-favorite guard Damian Lillard, who is sidelined with an Achilles injury, added to the excitement. Lillard, who received a standing ovation at the season opener, has committed to mentoring the younger players.
The team was poised for a fresh start after the sale of the franchise to a group led by Tom Dundon, ensuring the Blazers remain in Portland. However, the arrest of their head coach marks a dramatic turn of events that could derail their aspirations.
Federal officials have indicated that Billups is among 31 individuals arrested in connection with the poker scheme, which is believed to involve members of three Mafia families. This shocking development has left fans and players alike reeling. “I was stunned. Shocked. I think everybody was,” said fan Mitch Weaver, who attended Friday night’s game. “We had Dame back. Everything was looking up.”
Billups, a celebrated player with a career spanning 17 seasons, had recently signed a multiyear contract extension and was entering his fifth season as head coach. He led the team to a 36-46 record last season, marking their fourth consecutive playoff miss. As the Blazers attempt to move forward, the impact of this scandal will undoubtedly linger over the franchise.
The immediate future remains uncertain as the Blazers navigate this crisis. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts under Splitter’s leadership and what further developments arise from this ongoing investigation.