Trail Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups Denies Charges in Poker Scheme Case
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has pleaded not guilty to charges related to a significant poker scheme. This scheme allegedly involved misleading gamblers into participating in fixed poker games without their knowledge. Billups made his court appearance on Monday in Brooklyn, accompanied by his attorney, Marc Mukasey, alongside 30 other defendants.
Details of the Case
Billups, who has been the head coach since 2021, is accused of playing a central role in luring victims to these rigged games. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. indicated that Billups served as the “face card,” attracting victims, often referred to as “fish,” to underground games in various locations, including Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and the Hamptons. The games were reportedly rigged, giving participants no chance of winning.
Allegations Against Billups
The indictment describes sophisticated tactics used by the conspirators. These included:
- Rigged card-shuffling machines
- Poker chip trays
- Special contact lenses for reading marked cards
- X-ray tables that can reveal face-down cards
According to prosecutors, the scheme, named “Zen Diagram,” resulted in massive losses for victims, amounting to tens of millions of dollars. One individual reportedly lost as much as $1.8 million. The funds generated from these games were allegedly laundered through various New York crime families.
Current Status and Future Proceedings
Billups is currently on leave from the Portland Trail Blazers, with Tiago Splitter serving as the acting head coach. In court, prosecutors discussed the vast amount of evidence, estimating over one terabyte of data, including electronic records, phone records, and surveillance footage. A protective order was requested to manage the distribution of this evidence.
The court plans to reconvene on March 4 to address the proceedings against the large group of defendants. U.S. District Judge Ramon Reyes has emphasized the importance of progressing efficiently, expressing a desire for the case to begin in September of the following year.
