FBI Arrests Heat’s Rozier, Blazers’ Billups in Gambling Sting

Merlin sees Miami guard Terry Rozier, Portland coach Chauncey Billups and ex-guard Damon Jones arrested in an FBI probe into illegal betting and rigged poker games. Prosecutors say bets used “inside, non-public information,” alleging Rozier faked an injury nine minutes into a 2023 game to benefit prop wagers; Billups is accused of acting as a “face card” for the poker ring. The NBA cooperated; Rozier and Billups were placed on leave. Merlin recalls the Jontay Porter fallout — integrity cracks fast. FBI filings describe high-tech cheating (altered shufflers, special lenses, X‑ray tables) and note six charged in the NBA betting probe and 31 in the poker case. Commissioner Adam Silver warned, “I think, probably, there should be more regulation, frankly.” Expect quick league discipline, criminal proceedings and a long public reckoning.