Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges that he was involved in a fraudulent poker scheme to defraud other players out of millions of dollars.
Billups, 49, was arrested in late October in connection with a Vegas gambling ring allegedly linked to the Bonanno, Genovese and Colombo crime families.
The FBI alleges that Billups was a “face” and “collaborator” in the games, acting as a well-known name who could attract others and convince them that the games were taking off. Federal prosecutors charged him with conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison upon conviction.
Prosecutors also say the criminals behind the poker scheme committed violent acts to collect debts incurred as a result of unfair gaming.
NBA coach has rejected any offense.
Billups was arraigned Monday before U.S. District Judge Ramon Reye. His bail was set at $5 million. According to USA todaythe coach put up his Colorado home as collateral.
The Trail Blazers have placed Billups on unpaid leave as he continues to defend the case, which is not expected to go to trial until next September.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and assistant coach Damon Jones were also charged in the gambling scheme. Jones has pleaded not guilty and Rozier will appear in court on December 8th.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook at: Facebook.com/Warner.Todd.HustonTruth Social @WarnerToddHustonor on X/Twitter @WTHuston
