Sports Gambling and Organized Crime

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty to charges tied to an alleged rigged high-stakes poker ring that prosecutors say used altered shufflers, hidden cameras, special sunglasses and an X‑ray table to cheat, and that organizers funneled proceeds to the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno crime families; prosecutors also produced text messages describing a victim as "star struck" by Billups. Plea negotiations have begun with some defendants, Billups and co-defendants attended a status conference with the next court date set for March 4, and other figures tied to related schemes include ex‑NBA player/assistant coach Damon Jones and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.