October 27, 2025
‘I am ashamed that these guys would put their households and their careers in jeopardy,’ Shaq stated.
Shaquille O’Neal expressed disappointment in Portland Path Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Warmth guard Terry Rozier, each arrested in a federal playing investigation, and in addition criticized fellow gamers who danger their careers with alleged unlawful betting actions.
As the brand new NBA season obtained underway, information of the arrests prompted the sports activities world to weigh in on the accusations, and Shaq didn’t maintain again when discussing the state of affairs. Whereas on air with fellow co-hosts Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, the previous middle stated that he has been concerned in authorized playing by enjoying craps and roulette whereas in Las Vegas. However he was not playing outdoors of the casinos.
“Everyone knows the letter of the regulation on the subject of playing and sports activities playing, and I don’t need to sit up right here like I’m some excellent man,” O’Neal acknowledged. “From time to time, once I go to Vegas, I’ll play some craps and I’ll play some roulette however I by no means gambled at anybody’s home. Don’t know something about poker.”
Shaq went on to say that though he is aware of Billups and used to play with former NBA participant Damon Jones, who was additionally picked up for being concerned within the playing scheme, he didn’t perceive why they’d danger all of it by placing their households and careers in jeopardy.
“I do know Chauncey, I do know Damon very effectively—I performed with Damon—however I’m ashamed that these guys would put their households and their careers in jeopardy.”
“There’s an outdated saying within the hood: all cash ain’t good cash. So if you happen to’re making $9 million {dollars}, how rather more do you want?”
Billups is alleged to have participated in “rigged” poker video games that occurred in Manhattan, Miami, Las Vegas, and the Hamptons, in accordance with officers. The video games have been attended by members of at the very least three of New York’s mafia households.
Authorities say Billups and Damon Jones, a former NBA participant, have been paid for his or her participation, with Jones requesting a partial prepayment of $2,500 earlier than attending one of many poker video games. Jones was additionally arrested.
Rozier, who was cleared by the league of playing accusations, was accused of sharing details about gamers on a group’s roster with bettors earlier than video games have been performed.
The NBA has suspended each Billups and Rozier.
RELATED CONTENT: Miami Warmth’s Terry Rozier, Portland Path Blazers’ Head Coach Chauncey Billups Arrested After Playing Investigation
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