Chauncey Billups walked out of Brooklyn federal court on Monday after posting an eye-popping $5 million bail, pledging his Colorado home as collateral to secure his freedom while facing charges for a massive Mafia-related gambling operation.
The suspended Portland Trail Blazers head coach has pleaded not guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges, joining 30 other defendants in what prosecutors say was an elaborate scheme involving multiple New York crime families.
Federal authorities set an astronomical bail amount after determining Billups posed a significant flight risk, given the seriousness of the charges and his deep financial resources.
The 47-year-old former NBA champion was forced to surrender his passport and agree to electronic monitoring as a condition of his release.
Prosecutors accuse the five-time All-Star of helping organized criminals create the appearance of a legitimate high-stakes poker game by serving as a celebrity lure to wealthy targets.
Court documents show the defendants used sophisticated cheats, including X-ray tables, special contact lenses, rigged card shuffling machines and hidden cameras, to steal millions of dollars from unsuspecting players.
The investigation also led to the arrest of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who faces separate but related betting charges. Both players have been placed on administrative leave by the NBA pending resolution of their cases.
Billups, who earned more than $100 million during his 17-year career, allegedly provided inside information about the Trail Blazers’ operations to a gambling syndicate tied to a crime family.
Federal agents claim he received large payments in exchange for confidential team data that gave gamblers an unfair advantage.
The former Detroit Pistons Finals MVP was in his fifth season coaching Portland when the allegations surfaced last month. His arrest sent shockwaves through the basketball community, where he was widely respected as a player and mentor to young athletes.
U.S. District Judge Sarah Netburn plans to start Billups’ trial in September 2026, giving both sides nearly two years to prepare their case. The delays reflect the complexity of the prosecution, which involves multiple defendants across multiple related criminal enterprises.
Legal experts noted that the $5 million bail amount is one of the highest set for a professional sports figure in a gambling case. The amount reflects federal prosecutors’ belief that Billups played a central role in the operation and had the means and motivation to flee the country.
Billups’ defense team declined to comment outside court, but sources close to the coach maintained his innocence and expressed confidence he would be vindicated at trial.
