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NBA fans will chant all kinds of things to get into their opponents’ heads, especially while shooting free throws.
Well, Los Angeles Clippers fans decided to mock the Portland Trail Blazers for the recent illegal gambling bombshell that led to the arrest of head coach Chauncey Billups last week.
Clippers fans chanted “FBI” as the Blazers shot free throws during Los Angeles’ 114-107 win on Sunday night.
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Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups leaves the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Court following a hearing following his arrest on federal gambling charges in Portland, Oregon, U.S., on Oct. 23, 2025. (John Rudoff/Reuters)
It’s been less than a week since Billups, along with more than two dozen people associated with a massive FBI investigation, was arrested for his alleged involvement in a gambling ring involving rigged poker and sports betting games.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA guard Damon Jones were also among those arrested by the FBI in connection with the two separate gambling cases.
Billups, through a statement from his attorney, denied any wrongdoing as he was allegedly part of the rigged poker games the FBI investigated. He was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
“Anyone who knows Chauncey Billups knows that he is a man of integrity; men of integrity do not deceive or defraud others,” read a statement from attorney Chris Heywood.
NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups denies wrongdoing following his arrest in the FBI’s gambling investigation.
“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 wouldn’t jeopardize those things for anything, much less a game of cards.”
Heywood stated that Billups “has never and would never bet on basketball games, has not provided privileged information nor has he sacrificed the trust of his team and the League, as that would tarnish the game to which he has dedicated his entire life.”
Billups and his legal team intend to fight the accusations “with the same tenacity that marked his 28-year career.”
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups watches from the sideline during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, on April 6, 2025. (Soobum Im/Image Images)
The poker games were allegedly linked to the La Cosa Nostra crime families, where Billups and Jones, nicknamed the “Face Cards,” were allegedly used as famous figures to entice competitors to play in the games.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that, in April 2019, Billups was among five defendants who “organized and participated in rigged poker games” in Las Vegas where a “rigged shuffling machine” was used. One gambling victim is said to have lost at least $50,000. Another defendant sent a text message to another accomplice telling him that Billups should lose a hand on purpose to avoid accusations of cheating.
Also during that game, a defendant said one of the victims “acted like he wanted Chauncey to have his money” because the NBA legend “impressed” him, according to officials.
Billups and Rozier were immediately released from the NBA last Thursday.
“We are aware of the allegations involving head coach Chauncey Billups and the Trail Blazers are cooperating fully with the investigation,” the team said. “Billups has been placed on immediate leave and Tiago Splitter will assume head coaching duties in the meantime. Any further questions should be directed to the NBA.”
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups listens during a news conference, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. (Jenny Kane/AP)
Billups is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in New York on Nov. 24.
In Billups’ absence, the Trail Blazers are led by interim head coach Tiago Splitter, the Brazilian former San Antonio Spurs star. The Trail Blazers are 1-2 to start the season.
