Chauncey Billups’ authorized workforce responded forcefully after his arrest in a mafia-linked playing probe, insisting the NBA coach will combat the costs in courtroom.

Chauncey Billups landed in the midst of a sprawling FBI investigation into mafia-run poker video games in New York and his authorized workforce is punching again exhausting in opposition to the accusations.

The Portland Trail Blazers head coach was arrested Thursday in Portland as a part of a federal crackdown on unlawful playing operations allegedly tied to 4 infamous crime households.

Attorney Chris Heywood wasted no time defending his shopper’s fame.

“Anyone who knows Chauncey Billups knows he is a man of integrity; men of integrity do not cheat and defraud others,” Heywood mentioned in an announcement to ESPN. “To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his hall-of-fame legacy, his reputation, and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game.”

The arrest just isn’t tied to any NBA video games or teaching choices.

Instead, federal brokers allege Billups took half in high-stakes poker video games that have been rigged utilizing high-tech dishonest units, together with X-ray tables and call lenses.

The operation was reportedly backed by the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese households. Heywood emphasised that Billups by no means compromised the game he devoted his life to.

“Furthermore, Chauncey Billups has never and would never gamble on basketball games, provide insider information, or sacrifice the trust of his team and the League, as it would tarnish the game he has devoted his entire life to,” he mentioned.

After his arraignment, Billups was launched and seen leaving a federal courthouse in Portland.

The NBA positioned him on fast go away, and assistant coach Tiago Splitter was named interim head coach of the Trail Blazers.

The probe additionally led to fees in opposition to Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player-turned-assistant coach Damon Jones.

In whole, 34 people have been indicted — 28 for the mafia-linked poker ring and 6 for alleged manipulation of NBA video games and insider betting.

Heywood closed his assertion with a transparent message that Billups meant to problem the costs.

“Chauncey Billups has never backed down. He does not plan to do so now. He will fight these allegations with the same tenacity that marked his 28-year career. We look forward to our day in court.”

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