It appears that nobody is left unscathed in the NBA gambling scandal, which has prompted an official FBI investigation. That includes the Chicago Bulls, although not for the reasons that most would assume.
According to Elias Schuster of Bleacher Nation, the Bulls were victimized by alleged improprieties during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 24, 2023. The indictment reveals that Co-Conspirator No. 8 informed sports bettor Eric Earnest that the Trail Blazers would tank the game against the Bulls in an effort to secure a top draft pick. At the time, the Trail Blazers were out of contention with a 32-40 record and only ten games left in the season.
In the end, the Bulls defeated the Trail Blazers 124-96. Chauncey Billups, then head coach of the Trail Blazers, along with player Terry Rozier, is among those arrested on charges related to illegal gambling activities. Part of the allegations includes relaying player health information to bettors, enabling them to place informed bets on the opposing team to increase their chances of winning.
Importantly, no Bulls players have been implicated in the scandal.
Looking ahead, the Bulls will play their first road game of the season against the Orlando Magic this Saturday.
### How the Bulls Have Responded to the Scandal
So far, the only Bulls personnel to speak publicly about the investigation are Nikola Vucevic and head coach Billy Donovan.
Vucevic specifically addressed the problem gambling issue, highlighting the threat it poses to the integrity of sports. He also raised concerns about fans whose interests might align more with financial outcomes than traditional fandom — where the priority is rooting for the team to win, no matter what.
Meanwhile, Donovan expressed his feelings on the matter, stating, “I was really surprised and saddened by all of it.” He also shared that he had a close relationship with Chauncey Billups, making the situation even more difficult.
As the investigation continues, the Bulls organization and their fans will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that preserves the spirit and fairness of the game.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/chicago-bulls/bulls-news-chicago-nba-gambling-controversy