How Chauncey Billups, Damon Jones were allegedly used to coerce victims into illegal poker games

Star Power and Deception: How NBA Icons Were Allegedly Used to Lure Victims into Rigged Poker Games

Chauncey Billups, the current head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and a former NBA star, along with fellow ex-player Damon Jones, has been implicated in a sweeping federal investigation into illegal gambling operations.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, both men were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a series of rigged poker games that defrauded victims of at least $7.15 million since April 2019.

The DOJ alleges that Billups and Jones were used as “face cards” in the scheme—a term used in the indictment to describe members of the so-called “Cheating Teams” who were compensated with a share of the illicit proceeds in exchange for their participation. Their celebrity status as former professional athletes was allegedly exploited to lure unsuspecting victims into high-stakes poker games under the guise of legitimacy and glamour. The presence of such high-profile figures reportedly made the games appear more credible and enticing, drawing in individuals who might otherwise have been wary.

One particularly revealing incident occurred in April 2019, when Billups was among five defendants who organized a poker game in Las Vegas using a rigged shuffling machine.

During this game, victims lost at least $50,000. The DOJ noted that one of the co-conspirators even suggested that Billups should intentionally lose a hand to avoid raising suspicions of cheating. In a telling moment, a defendant remarked that one of the victims seemed eager to lose money to Billups, being “star struck” by his presence.

Further evidence presented by prosecutors includes a $50,000 wire transfer to Billups in October 2020, allegedly tied to another manipulated poker game. Damon Jones, meanwhile, was said to have requested a $10,000 advance before one game, claiming he “needed” the action “bad,” and ultimately received $2,500. In response to being coached on how to cheat, Jones reportedly texted, “Lol man y’all call Djones in cause y’all know I know what I’m doing!!” suggesting familiarity and comfort with the deceptive tactics being employed.

 

The broader investigation has revealed connections between the defendants and three separate Italian-American crime families, although it remains unclear how Billups and Jones became involved with these individuals.

The scandal has already led to over 30 arrests, including that of NBA player Terry Rozier, who is also under scrutiny for alleged involvement in a related sports gambling case.

In response to the indictments, the NBA issued a statement placing both Billups and Rozier on immediate leave, emphasizing the league’s commitment to integrity and cooperation with law enforcement. The league underscored that it takes the allegations with the utmost seriousness and is actively reviewing the federal charges.

Despite their lucrative careers, Billups reportedly earned over $100 million and Jones at least $20 million during their time in the NBA, their alleged involvement in this criminal enterprise has shocked the sports world and raised serious questions about the influence of fame in facilitating fraud.