UPDATE: The Portland Trail Blazers are reeling after head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested in a federal poker scheme that allegedly defrauded victims of over $7 million. Billups, along with Miami Heat player Terry Rozier, was taken into custody early Thursday morning at his Lake Oswego home, just hours after the Blazers suffered a disappointing loss in their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With Billups now facing serious charges, including conspiracy to fix high-stakes card games, the Blazers turned to interim coach Tiago Splitter for their game against the Golden State Warriors on the evening of October 26, 2023. The mood in the locker room was somber, as players struggled to process the shocking news. Forward Deni Avdija shared, “It’s not an easy situation. We’re thinking about him and his family. We really love Chauncey and what he’s done for this organization.”
In light of the situation, the NBA has placed both Billups and Rozier on leave, further complicating an already challenging start to the season. Splitter, who joined the coaching staff in June, expressed the need to remain focused: “Not great, not great. But like I said, we’ve got to move forward. We have a great opportunity in front of us to have a good season with this team.”
The Blazers had entered the new season with optimism, featuring a promising roster that includes rising stars like Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Toumani Camara. The team was also excited about the return of beloved guard Damian Lillard, who, despite rehabbing an Achilles injury, received a standing ovation during the opener.
Fans expressed their shock at the news, with Mitch Weaver, a dedicated supporter, stating, “I was stunned. Shocked. We had Dame back. Everything was looking up.” The Blazers have faced uncertainty in recent years, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season under Billups, who signed a multiyear contract extension in April 2023.
Billups is one of 31 individuals arrested in connection to this poker scheme, which federal agents allege involved members of three Mafia families. The high-profile nature of the case has sent ripples throughout the NBA and raised questions about the league’s integrity, prompting NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to express his deep concern regarding the gambling-related indictments.
As the team adjusts to this unprecedented situation, fans and players alike are left wondering what lies ahead for the Blazers. The focus now shifts to Splitter and the rest of the coaching staff as they prepare for their next game and strive to maintain the team’s competitive spirit amidst the turmoil.
The Blazers’ season has taken a dramatic turn, and the coming days will be crucial in determining not only the fate of the franchise but also the future of Chauncey Billups. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
