The National Basketball Association (NBA) has expanded its investigation into alleged illegal gambling throughout the league, requesting multiple teams to turn over documents and devices, according to a report.
The Athletic, the sports imprint of The New York Times, cited half a dozen league sources revealing that the NBA is seeking new information to provide to investigators as Congress increases scrutiny following the bombshell revelation of an extensive mafia-backed gambling conspiracy.
### Why It Matters
Federal authorities in October unveiled a criminal case linking multiple NBA figures to four organized crime families in a years-long conspiracy involving illegal gambling and fraud. More than 30 individuals were arrested across 11 states in connection with the case. Charges range from wire fraud and money laundering to extortion, robbery, and illegal gambling involving tens of millions of dollars.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the operation as “mind-boggling” in its scope. The NBA, in a statement, emphasized that it is treating the allegations — involving current and former players, including the Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups — “with the utmost seriousness.”
### What To Know
In a statement provided to The Athletic on Saturday, the NBA revealed it has engaged an independent law firm to investigate the allegations. As part of this investigation, the league is requesting a range of documents and records, including cell phones and phone records.
A primary focus of this request is employees of the Los Angeles Lakers. At least 10 Lakers employees have been asked to turn over personal equipment and records, including assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims, both of whom have voluntarily cooperated.
This connection is especially significant given the arrest of Damon Jones, a former NBA player and coach to LeBron James. Jones pled not guilty to charges that include accusations of selling injury information to gamblers.
The Orlando Magic and Portland Trail Blazers have also drawn investigative interest. However, investigators did not reach out to the Magic, as the player allegedly involved in the scheme has left their roster.
Furthermore, the league is considering substantial changes to team rules regarding the reporting of player injury status to prevent similar incidents in the future.
### What People Are Saying
The NBA told The Athletic:
“The NBA engaged an independent law firm to investigate the allegations in the indictment once it was made public. As is standard in these kinds of investigations, a number of different individuals and organizations were asked to preserve documents and records. Everyone has been fully cooperative.”
Terry Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, offered a statement to Newsweek:
“A long time ago we reached out to these prosecutors to tell them we should have an open line of communication. They characterized Terry as a subject, not a target, but at 6 a.m. this morning they called to tell me FBI agents were trying to arrest him in a hotel. It is unfortunate that instead of allowing him to self-surrender, they opted for a photo op. Terry was cleared by the NBA and these prosecutors revived that non-case. Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight.”
### What Happens Next
The NBA and federal authorities will continue to investigate the alleged mafia ties within the league, aiming to fully outline the scope and depth of the operation as the inquiry progresses.
https://www.newsweek.com/nba-expands-illegal-gambling-investigation-11054743