In an unprecedented crackdown, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in coordination with the New York Police Department (NYPD), has arrested several individuals connected to the National Basketball Association (NBA), including Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former player and coach Damon Jones. These arrests are part of a comprehensive, multi-state investigation targeting organized crime's influence within professional sports.
The operation, which involved 34 subjects across 11 states, was unveiled by FBI Director Kash Patel on Fox News Digital. The investigation, which has been dubbed Operations “Zhen Diagram” and “Nothing But Net,” revealed sophisticated gambling schemes that penetrated the NBA and facilitated the manipulation of betting systems, with the proceeds being funneled to criminal networks.
Prosecutors have charged the involved parties with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The accused allegedly used their insider status to influence the outcomes of high stakes games, employing non-public information regarding player participation, injuries, and lineup changes. The scheme reportedly used straw bettors, or intermediaries, to place wagers and maximize profits.
One incident that came to light involved Terry Rozier, who is said to have faked an injury during a game between the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans in March 2023, allowing an accomplice to place informed bets. Investigators gathered over 3,000 recordings of phone calls and meetings, as well as evidence from undercover agents who participated in games where cheating devices were employed.
The NBA has cooperated fully with the investigation, which has cast a shadow on the integrity of professional sports. Rozier’s attorney, James Trusty, has publicly denounced the arrests as unwarranted, maintaining Rozier's innocence and criticizing the authorities for using unreliable sources. Trusty asserts Rozier's readiness to fight the allegations, quoting, “Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight.”
As the legal proceedings commence, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella has emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Violating the law is a losing proposition, and you can bet on that.” The case serves as a cautionary tale to those attempting to exploit professional sports for illicit financial gain.
This investigation underscores the ongoing threat of organized crime within high-profile industries and the necessity for stringent oversight to prevent the manipulation of betting systems. With the legal process underway, officials aim to deter future criminal endeavors and uphold the sanctity of sports and gambling operations. The outcomes of these cases are likely to set a significant precedent in the battle against the intersection of organized crime and professional sports.
