Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested on Thursday morning for allegedly being involved in an illegal gambling scandal. Around 7:08 p.m. EST, he was released from the courthouse in Portland, Oregon.
Upon his release, Billups’ attorney, Chris Heywood, revealed what’s next for the Hall of Fame point guard turned head coach. Heywood stated that Billups, 49, was required to surrender his passport to the U.S. government, according to Maxine Bernstein of Oregon Live. Additionally, Billups was given a travel restriction and an official court date in Brooklyn, New York.
Attorney Chris Heywood spoke on Billups’ behalf and arranged for his release on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. When U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo asked if Billups understood his right to remain silent, he answered, “Yes.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Barrows supported Billups’ release under specific conditions.
Heywood confirmed that Billups’ passport was turned over to the government. Billups is also required to prepare to secure a substantial bond with the federal court in the Eastern District of New York. His travel is restricted to Oregon and Colorado, and he is due to appear at 10 a.m. on November 24 at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York.
A video of Chauncey Billups leaving the Portland courthouse shows him dressed in casual attire, leaving silently with his group, as reported by The Athletic. Though some media members attempted to ask questions, the 2004 NBA champion did not respond.
Billups was arrested for allegedly participating in underground poker games. FBI reports claim these illegal poker games were rigged with assistance from the Italian mafia. Billups was one of 30 individuals arrested on Thursday.
It is alleged that Billups was used to lure victims into these poker games. To rig the games, X-ray tables and glasses or contact lenses capable of detecting marked cards were reportedly used.
With the NBA season underway, the league has placed Billups, along with players Terry Rozier and Damon Jones, on leave due to their involvement in illegal gambling activities. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers have promoted assistant coach Tiago Splitter to the interim head coaching role during this period.
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