Major Poker Scandal: Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones Accused in Rigged Gambling Ring

Federal prosecutors have announced shocking indictments against NBA figures Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones, accusing them of playing pivotal roles in a vast scheme involving rigged poker games across the U.S. These games allegedly took place in several high-profile locations, including the Hamptons, Miami, Las Vegas, and Manhattan.

Key Details of the Indictment

• Accusations of Deceit: Billups, a Hall of Famer and current head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Jones, a former NBA player and assistant coach, are accused of being the “face cards” who drew unsuspecting victims—referred to as "fish"—into the poker games. According to U.S. attorney Joseph Nocella Jr., these victims did not realize that everyone else at the table was part of the scam.

• Sophisticated Cheating Mechanisms: The poker games were allegedly rigged using advanced technology. Prosecutors stated that the operation utilized altered card shuffling machines to accurately predict players’ hands. This information was conveyed to a designated "quarterback" at the table, enabling them to manipulate betting odds.

Technology Behind the Scheme

The ring reportedly employed a range of illicit devices:

• Poker Chip Tray Analyzers: These devices reportedly contained hidden cameras to read marked cards.
• Contact Lenses and Glasses: These high-tech accessories allowed users to identify pre-marked cards.
• X-ray Tables: Designed to read face-down cards, this technology further enabled manipulation of the games.

Arrests and Charges

In total, 31 individuals have been arrested in connection to this extensive gambling ring. Many of those involved are reportedly linked to organized crime families based in New York. The defendants include:

• Chauncey Billups: NBA Hall of Famer and Trail Blazers coach
• Damon Jones: Former NBA player
• Notorious mobsters and professional poker players, such as Ernest Aiello and Saul Becher

The Impact of the Scandal

This indictment has sent shockwaves through the NBA community. It raises critical questions about the integrity of professional sports and gambling. Current NBA player Terry Rozier is also under scrutiny, accused of manipulating a game to aid in betting, and both Rozier and Billups have been placed on administrative leave pending investigations.

"This alleged scheme wreaked havoc across the nation, exploiting the notoriety of some and the wallets of many to fund the Italian crime families here in New York," stated Christopher G. Raia, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office.

Conclusion

As the investigation unfolds, the implications for those involved, including the reputations of Billups and Jones, appear dire. This incident highlights the darker underbelly of professional sports, where the allure of easy money can lead to questionable ethics and scandalous behavior.

For more details on this unfolding story, visit reputable sources such as ESPN and CBS Sports.

Related Topics

• Sports Integrity
• Gambling Laws in the U.S.
• Organized Crime and Sports

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.