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Antonio Gates, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2025, categorically denied any connection to the growing betting scandal that shocked the NBA and the sports world at large.
Denise White, Gates’ business manager, issued a statement dismissing reports linking the former NFL tight end to alleged mob-backed poker schemes.
“Antonio Gates has not been involved in or charged with any crime, claims to the contrary are false and unsubstantiated. There will be no further comment on this matter,” White, CEO of EAG Sports Management, said in a statement released Monday.
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Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates watches a replay from the sideline at StubHub Center in Carson on Oct. 7, 2018. (Scott Varley/Digital First Media/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images)
On Sunday, podcaster and television host Pablo Torre reported that Gates allegedly “organized” and also “played” a fraudulent poker game. The game in question reportedly took place in Miami. Additionally, Torre claimed that Curtis Meeks also “organized” the illegal affair.
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Meeks was among more than 30 people named in indictments unsealed last week. Gates’ name was not listed in the federal documents.
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player Damon Jones were among notable figures arrested by federal investigators.
A basketball is placed on the court next to the NBA logo during the Summer League game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Federal investigators accused Rozier of revealing inside information about player availability, which was allegedly used to influence prop bets. Billups, MVP of the 2004 NBA Finals, was allegedly linked to the organization and execution of complex illegal poker operations. Jones was also allegedly associated with the sophisticated scheme.
Investigators said the illegal operation was highly organized and targeted players under the guise of legitimacy. However, the games were structured in a way that prevented fair outcomes.
According to an FBI indictment, the illegal gambling ring had ties to the mafia.
Gates spent his entire 16-year NFL career with the Chargers organization.
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates gestures during warmups for the game against Washington on December 10, 2017, at StubHub Center in Carson, California. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
During that time, he was named to eight Pro Bowls. He is the Chargers’ receptions leader. He finished his outstanding career with 116 receiving touchdowns.
Gates’ path to the NFL was unconventional. He chose to play basketball instead of football in college. He then went undrafted in the 2003 draft.
Gates is a member of the Chargers Hall of Fame.
