Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups answers questions at the team’s media day Sept. 30, 2024. The FBI arrested Billups on charges that he participated in an illegal gambling ring.
Troy Brynelson / OPB
Following Wednesday night’s opening night loss, the Portland Trail Blazers’ season has already been turned upside down.
Hours after the game on Thursday, the FBI arrested head coach Chauncey Billups on charges that he participated in an illegal gambling ring.
Related: Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups among more than 30 arrested in federal gambling probe
The Trail Blazers have already named assistant coach Tiago Splitter as an interim replacement for Billups, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
The NBA issued a statement Thursday morning saying it had placed Billups on immediate leave.
“We are in the process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today,” the statement said. “We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”
This story is developing and will be updated.
