Sunday, May 17, 2026
Law

Read the Chauncey Billups ‘Rigged’ Poker Indictment

Federal prosecutors unsealed a 22-page indictment Thursday alleging that New York’s Italian crime families ran an elaborately rigged poker game.

Chauncey Billups
Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

Federal prosecutors unsealed a 22-page indictment Thursday alleging that New York’s Italian crime families ran an elaborately rigged poker game.

Basketball Hall of Famer and current Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player and coach Damon Jones are accused of being “face cards” that organized crime figures used to lure unsuspected gamblers into unwinnable games where they ultimately lost millions of dollars.

The indictment, which you can read below, alleges that the games used rigged shuffling machines, decoy phones, card markers visible only through special glasses, and “electronic poker chip trays that could secretly read cards placed on the poker table.” Some images of the technology can be seen here.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

3 Hot Topics at ACC Spring Meetings

Jim Phillips talked PE, Duke-Amazon, and CFP expansion.

Expanded March Madness Brings ‘Visibility’ to Women’s Game

Still, some coaches worry that mid-majors will be overlooked.
May 13, 2006; Washington, D.C, USA; FILE PHOTO; Houston Comets at Washington Mystics -- Houston forward Sheryl Swoopes brings the ball up court.

Houston WNBA Team Expects to Keep Comets Name

The Connecticut Sun will move to Houston in 2027.
Dec 15, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers resident of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey speaks with the media before a game against the Detroit Pistons at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
opinion

Why the NBA Should Hire Daryl Morey to Be Its Theo Epstein

The 76ers fired Morey earlier this week.

Featured Today

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).
Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga
May 14, 2026

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.

Tennis Lawsuit Sparks Courtroom Fight Over Grand Slam Credentials

Wimbledon and the French Open denied credentials to the PTPA.
Mar 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Bowlero has rebranded itself as Lucky Strike. It is in the same location new to the mall on McFarland Blvd.
May 7, 2026

Lawsuit Claims Lucky Strike Built Bowling Monopoly

The company has allegedly caused bowling prices to triple in some cases.
May 11, 2026

NBA Cut Out Middleman From Lucrative Emirates Deal: Lawsuit

The NBA denies it had an agreement with Paul Edalat.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Professional boxer Floyd Mayweather attends the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury for game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena.
May 6, 2026

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Calls Off $100M Legal Fight With Business Insider

The boxer voluntarily dismissed his lawsuit.
April 30, 2026

Puma Denies Its Carbon-Plated Shoes Cause Injuries After Lawsuit

The company pushed back on claims that its shoes increased injury risk.
April 28, 2026

Damon Jones Admits He Sold LeBron Injury Information to Gamblers

Jones also pleaded guilty Tuesday in the rigged poker case.
April 28, 2026

Star Runner Says ‘Defective’ Puma Shoes Ruined Her Career

A series of foot surgeries prematurely ended her career.