Former Colorado star Chauncey Billups arrested for alleged illegal gambling

Former Colorado guard and longtime NBA star Chauncey Billups, who is currently the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, was among those arrested Thursday morning for alleged illegal gambling in a probe that also produced the arrest of NBA guard Terry Rozier, according to ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania:

Rozier's arrest was reported by Charania first, and it was also announced that the Eastern District of New York and FBI Director Kash Patel will hold a press conference at 10am ET on Thursday to announce arrests from the investigation and, theoretically, provide further details to the evidence that led to them.

Billups was on the bench coaching the Blazers on Wednesday night in their 2025-2026 season opener. The Blazers lost by four to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Chauncey Billups arrested on Thursday morning for alleged illegal gambling

Billups was a star at Colorado for two seasons in 1995-96 and 1996-97. He averaged 18/5/5 in two seasons in Boulder. He was a second-team All-American in 96-97, leading the Buffs to the second round of the 1997 NCAA Tournament, where they were knocked out by top-seeded North Carolina.

Billups was drafted No. 3 overall in the 1997 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. After beginning his career as a journeyman, playing for five teams within his first five NBA seasons, Billups caught on with the Detroit Pistons. He became the team's star point guard, culminating in leading them to the 2004 NBA Championship, where Billups was named Finals MVP.

Billups' best years were the six he spent with the Pistons and then the three he spent after that with the hometown Denver Nuggets. Billups was a five-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-NBA 3rd Team selection, and was named to the 2006 All-NBA 2nd Team.

After a 17-year NBA career, Billups retired following the 2014 season, finishing his career with the Pistons.

Billups began his coaching journey in 2020-21 as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers, working under Tyronn Lue. He was hired by the Trail Blazers as the head coach ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season, and was entering his fifth season on the bench. While he had yet to lead the team to a winning record or a playoff berth, Portland's post-Damian Lillard rebuild took a major step last season, and with an exciting young roster, expectations were high this season.

This story will be updated when more information becomes available.

UPDATE: 9:30 AM ET:

According to ABC News, Billups has been charged in an illegal poker operation that is tied to the mafia: