Patel says over 30 defendants in federal gambling probe related to NBA games, rigged poker, mafia

FBI Director Kash Patel on Thursday morning announced a sweeping federal investigation alleging at least 31 defendants – including an NBA player and an NBA coach – were involved in illegal gambling schemes. 

“You hear a lot about our work of defending the homeland and crushing violent crime. Well, this work is also representative of a colossal portion of the FBI’s mandate to keep America safe and to keep our entertainment industry fair and secure," Patel said at a press conference in Washington, D.C., announcing the probe.

He and other federal prosecutors said the probe is, in fact, two cases: one related to the NBA and the other to illegal, rigged poker games. 

Patel and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Joseph Nocella, Jr., said the overall probe was "years-long," across 11 states and involved tens of millions of dollars.  

"Your winning streak has ended," Nocella said.

He and Patel also confirmed reports from earlier in the morning that Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and Portland Trailblazer coach Chauncey Billups were arrested earlier in the day in connection with the probe.

Prosecutors also said Mafia crime families were involved in the rigged poker games, which included X-ray machines to see face-down cards. They said members helped collect debts for a cut of the winnings.

Regarding the NBA games, he alleged Rozier was involved in a scene in which players didn't play or left games early, in an attempt to influence scores and betting. 

An attorney connected to Rozier suggested in a statement obtained by CNN that the player was told he was only a subject in the probe, not a suspect, and that he was denied an opportunity to turn himself in, instead of being arrested for a photo opportunity.