Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups pleads not guilty in rigged poker games case
NBA hall of famer is accused of conspiring with the mafia, charged with fraud and money-laundering conspiracy
Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty in Brooklyn federal court on Monday in a sweeping criminal case accusing the NBA hall of famer of conspiring with the mafia to rig illicit poker games.
The arraignment took place during a hearing for all 31 defendants in the case. Prosecutors say they orchestrated an elaborate scheme using pro athletes’ star power to lure victims to card games then cheat them using hi-tech equipment.
Billups’ lawyer Marc Mukasey entered the plea on his behalf before US District Judge Ramon Reye.
Billups is charged with fraud and money-laundering conspiracy. He has denied wrongdoing through his lawyers.
Former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Damon Jones was also charged in the case, along with alleged members of New York’s La Cosa Nostra organised crime families. They have all pleaded not guilty.
The case is related to a criminal investigation of alleged bet-rigging by professional athletes, which coincides with the explosion of legal sports betting in the US in recent years.