On Thursday morning, ESPN reported that the FBI had arrested dozens of individuals as part of a large probe into gambling activities. One investigation is focusing on alleged rigged poker games connected to New York Mafia families, while another centers on illegal gambling related to NBA games.
Among those taken into custody were Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier. Rozier has been under investigation for gambling activities dating back to last season.
Social media quickly reacted to the news, with a flurry of memes, comments, and speculation. Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love, known for his sharp social media presence, joined in on the conversation. Love posted a photoshopped image on Instagram featuring Rozier and Billups edited onto a viral photo of former CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot. The original image captured the couple’s affair being exposed during a kiss cam moment at a Coldplay concert over the summer, which quickly became a meme. Adding to the impact of Love’s post is the fact that he was teammates with Rozier last year on the Heat.
### A Huge Scandal for the NBA
The arrests of Billups and Rozier come at a sensitive time for the NBA, which has been increasingly fostering relationships with various sportsbooks. The league has been promoting gambling through television advertisements and other partnerships, which have drawn significant criticism from the public.
Two years ago, former Toronto Raptors big man Jontay Porter became a cautionary tale about the risks of close ties between gambling and sports leagues. Porter received a permanent ban from the NBA due to gambling-related issues. Now, Rozier faces a similar situation as he hopes to avoid comparable consequences amid his arrest.
Billups has been charged in the indictment related to the rigged poker games.
In response to the arrests, both Rozier and Billups have been placed on leave by the NBA. Moving forward, the league will likely need to reconsider how closely it wants to associate itself with the gambling world as these serious allegations continue to unfold.
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