Prosecutors Offer Plea Deals in NBA Poker Scheme

Chauncey Billups' involvement in the case remains unclear as 12 defendants consider plea agreements.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have said they expect to offer plea deals to 12 of the 31 defendants charged in a case involving rigged poker games with notable NBA players. The case also includes an indictment against six men for an NBA gambling conspiracy, with all defendants pleading not guilty so far. Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups' status in the case is still uncertain, as the latest filing did not specify which defendants are considering plea agreements.

Why it matters

The high-profile nature of the case, involving several NBA players and coaches, has drawn significant attention. The potential plea deals could shed light on the extent of the alleged illegal activities and the level of involvement by some of the notable figures named in the indictments.

The details

Prosecutors said they are 'reasonably optimistic' they'll reach plea agreements with nine other defendants before the case goes to trial. The charges stem from an illegal poker ring, with an additional indictment alleging an NBA gambling conspiracy involving six men. All defendants have pleaded not guilty so far, and are expected to appear in court this week for status hearings as the case progresses.

  • On March 3, prosecutors filed a brief stating they expect to offer plea deals to 12 of the 31 defendants.
  • The defendants, including Heat player Terry Rozier, are scheduled to return to court in mid-May as their case moves towards a trial.

The players

Chauncey Billups

The head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, who is allegedly involved in the rigged poker game case but his specific status remains unclear.

Terry Rozier

A player for the Miami Heat who is one of the six men indicted in the NBA gambling conspiracy case.

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What’s next

Chauncey Billups is scheduled to appear in a Brooklyn federal courtroom on Wednesday afternoon for a status hearing regarding the two-count indictment that alleges he participated in the rigged underground poker game.

The takeaway

This high-profile case involving several NBA players and coaches highlights the ongoing issues of illegal gambling and corruption within professional sports. The potential plea deals could provide more insight into the extent of the alleged activities and the level of involvement by the notable figures named in the indictments.