Image Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

“I Had A Pit In My Stomach” – Adam Silver Breaks Silence On Chauncey Billups And Terry Rozier Gambling Scandal

Image Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA was rocked Friday after Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested in a massive federal gambling probe. The investigation also implicated former player Damon Jones and members of New York’s organized crime families, raising questions about the league’s ties to legalized betting.

Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the scandal during Amazon Prime Video’s broadcast of the Celtics–Knicks game, calling the revelations “deeply disturbing.” He admitted the news left him shaken. “There’s nothing more important to the league and its fans than the integrity of the competition,” Silver said. “I had a pit in my stomach. It was very upsetting.”

Federal prosecutors allege Terry Rozier conspired with associates to manipulate betting outcomes by leaking insider information and deliberately underperforming. In one cited case from March 2023, Rozier allegedly told partners he would exit a Charlotte Hornets game early with a supposed injury, enabling bettors to collect more than $200,000 in winnings.

BREAKING: Terry Rozier has been arrested for his involvement in Gambling with NBA

Per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/B3cYWLihTE
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) October 23, 2025

Chauncey Billups, meanwhile, is accused of participating in rigged poker games tied to organized crime. Investigators claim the operation used x‑ray tables and pre‑marked cards to defraud players of millions. The FBI linked the scheme to the Bonanno, Gambino, Lucchese, and Genovese families.

Adam Silver’s Response and Administrative Action

Adam Silver confirmed both Billups and Rozier have been placed on administrative leave while the league cooperates with federal authorities. He also revealed that the NBA previously investigated Rozier’s betting activity in 2023 but found “insufficient evidence” to act.

“Terry at the time cooperated. He gave the league office his phone. He sat down for an interview,” Adam Silver explained. “We ultimately concluded there was insufficient evidence despite that aberrational behavior. He still hasn’t been convicted of anything, in fairness to Terry. Obviously, it doesn’t look good. But he’s now been put on administrative leave.”

The scandal has reignited debate over the NBA’s close relationship with the gambling industry. With major partnerships involving FanDuel and DraftKings, betting is now embedded in broadcasts and marketing. Coaches across the league voiced concern that this integration may have crossed ethical boundaries.

“It’s really sad,” said Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers. “The outside world, in my day, couldn’t get to us. And now they can, with ease.” Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff added, “Once you introduce gambling that the sports world has now, there’s going to be some very dangerous situations out there for everybody.”