USA

Chauncey Billups pleads not guilty to charges in illegal gambling scheme

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from his alleged role in an illegal gambling case involving at least one other former player.

The Basketball Hall of Famer was arraigned in federal court in New York City on charges of money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy. Billups was accused of participating in a mob-backed scheme to rig illegal poker games in New York, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons.

CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty in Brooklyn federal court in New York on Monday, November 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Billups’ attorney, Chris Heywood, denied the accusations against his client.

“To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall of Fame legacy, his reputation, and his freedom. He wouldn’t jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game,” Heywood said on Oct. 23.

Billups’ other attorney, Marc Mukasey, declined to comment to reporters after the not guilty plea was entered.

Billups, 49, was released on $5 million bail secured by his family’s home in Colorado. He is prohibited from gambling and cannot have any contact with other defendants or alleged victims. He surrendered his passport and can only travel to seven states, including Oregon, New York and Washington DC.

Chauncey Billups walks with family and legal team

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups leaves Brooklyn federal court on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

MAVERICKS’ KLAY THOMPSON ATTACKS GRIZZLIES’ JA MORANT AFTER A MOVING FIGHT

Federal authorities said Billups was used as a so-called “face card” to lure victims into fraudulent games. Prosecutors said that during a game, people organized by the organization sent messages to each other saying that one of the victims was “acting like he wanted Chauncy to get his money” because he was “starstruck.”

Prosecutors said the poker cheating scheme involved sophisticated technology such as modified card shuffling machines, hidden cameras in chip trays, special sunglasses and X-ray equipment built into card tables.

Billups is accused of taking a cut of money earned by alleged gangsters, according to authorities.

Billups and other defendants, including former NBA player Damon Jones, also attended the status conference. They will appear in court again on March 4.