In response to the recent arrests of Miami guard Terry Rozier and Portland coach Chauncey Billups in connection with alleged gambling activities, the NBA has initiated a review to safeguard not only the integrity of the game but also the well-being of its players and coaches.
The league conveyed this information through a memo distributed to all 30 teams, as obtained by The Associated Press. The memo from the NBA’s legal department highlighted the increasing prevalence of legal betting across most U.S. states, the recurring integrity issues in sports, and the emergence of new betting formats and markets. It emphasized the need to carefully reassess sports betting regulations to ensure the protection of sports leagues, players, and fans.
The scrutiny surrounding the incidents has extended to lawmakers in Washington, with the Senate taking action following a request from a House committee. Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell sought information from the NBA regarding the investigation and handling of the allegations involving Rozier and events related to a game on March 23, 2023, during his tenure with the Charlotte Hornets.
Cruz and Cantwell, in their inquiry, underscored the importance of upholding the integrity of NBA games and preventing any influence from organized crime or gambling-related activities. They emphasized the necessity for transparency and steps to maintain public trust in the sport.
The arrests of nearly three dozen individuals, including Billups and Rozier, were disclosed last week as federal officials unsealed indictments. Rozier, in particular, faced allegations of collaborating with associates to manipulate bets based on his performance in a game played in 2023. The charges paralleled those faced by former player Jontay Porter, who was subsequently banned from the league by Commissioner Adam Silver in 2024.
Concerns arose when sportsbooks flagged unusual betting patterns on prop bets involving Rozier in the identified game. Although the NBA investigated the matter, no conclusive evidence of Rozier violating any rules was found. The league acknowledged the need for enhanced measures to safeguard the integrity of the sport, particularly in the context of individual player performance bets.
The NBA’s recent actions align with broader initiatives in the sports industry, including the NFL reinforcing its gambling policy and MLB’s ongoing probe into player conduct. Congressional committees have also engaged in discussions with Silver on regulatory gaps concerning illegal betting schemes.
The league’s focus now includes a review of injury reports, aiming to ensure transparency and prevent insider trading in sports betting. The NBA seeks collaboration with teams to determine the best path forward in addressing these challenges and protecting the league’s stakeholders from the risks associated with gambling activities.