Chauncey Billups walked out of a Brooklyn federal courthouse Monday after posting a jaw-dropping $5 million bail, utilizing his Colorado dwelling as collateral to safe his freedom whereas going through expenses in an enormous mafia-linked playing operation.

The suspended Portland Trail Blazers head coach entered a not responsible plea to wire fraud and cash laundering expenses, standing alongside 30 different defendants in what prosecutors describe as an elaborate scheme involving a number of New York crime households.

Federal authorities set the astronomical bail quantity after figuring out Billups posed a major flight danger given the severity of the costs and his substantial monetary assets.

The 47-year-old former NBA champion was pressured to give up his passport and comply with digital monitoring as further circumstances of his launch.

Prosecutors allege the five-time All-Star served as a celebrity lure for wealthy targets, helping organized crime figures create the illusion of legitimate high-stakes poker games.

Court paperwork reveal defendants used refined dishonest strategies, together with X-ray tables, particular contact lenses, rigged shuffling machines and hidden cameras to steal thousands and thousands from unsuspecting gamers.

The investigation additionally ensnared Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who faces separate however associated betting expenses. Both gamers have been positioned on administrative depart by the NBA pending decision of their instances.

Billups, who earned over $100 million throughout his 17-year enjoying profession, allegedly offered inside data on Trail Blazers operations to betting syndicates linked to crime households.

Federal brokers declare he acquired substantial funds in alternate for confidential group information that gave gamblers unfair benefits.

The former Detroit Pistons Finals MVP was in his fifth season teaching Portland when the costs surfaced final month. His arrest despatched shockwaves by way of the basketball neighborhood, the place he was extensively revered as each a participant and mentor to younger athletes.

U.S. District Judge Sarah Netburn scheduled Billups’ trial to start in September 2026, giving each side practically two years to arrange their instances. The delay displays the advanced nature of the prosecution, which includes a number of defendants throughout a number of associated legal enterprises.

Legal consultants be aware the $5 million bail quantity ranks among the many highest ever set for knowledgeable sports activities determine in a playing case. The sum displays federal prosecutors’ perception that Billups performed a central position within the operation and possessed each the means and motivation to flee the nation.

Billups’ protection group declined to remark outdoors the courthouse, however sources near the coach preserve his innocence and categorical confidence he will likely be vindicated at trial.

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