The NBA has initiated a comprehensive review to assess how the league can better protect the integrity of the game and its players following the arrests of two prominent figures, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, in a gambling investigation led by the FBI. The review comes as the league faces growing concerns over the impact of expanded sports betting in the U.S. and the potential for integrity violations.
Rozier, who was accused of conspiring with associates to help them win bets based on statistical performance in a game he played for the Charlotte Hornets in March 2023, was initially cleared of any wrongdoing. However, sportsbooks detected an unusual pattern of wagers on the Charlotte game, including prop bets involving Rozier, which were flagged and brought to the league’s attention. The NBA’s legal department emphasized the need for a regulatory reassessment as the popularity of sports betting continues to rise.
The league also highlighted the need to scrutinize proposition bets on individual player performance, which are seen as posing heightened integrity risks. In addition to Rozier, former NBA player and coach Damon Jones was arrested for allegedly tipping off associates about the injury status of LeBron James and Anthony Davis before an NBA game. The league is now reviewing its injury disclosure rules and exploring ways to protect players from potential harassment by bettors.
As sports betting becomes more prevalent, the NBA is under pressure to ensure that its players, coaches, and personnel are fully aware of the risks associated with gambling. The league has pledged to work with both its teams and external stakeholders to develop robust safeguards that protect the integrity of the game and the well-being of its athletes.