As various reports emerge surrounding Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups’ recent arrest on gambling charges, new details have come to light connecting other notable NBA figures to the ongoing investigation.
Investigative reporter Pablo Torre has linked Hall of Fame forward Kevin Garnett to the poker scandal at the center of the probe. According to Torre, Garnett may have attended a poker game in 2019 that was part of a broader scheme designed to lure gamblers into rigged games. Many former NBA players reportedly participated in private poker games organized by individuals indicted by the Department of Justice in “Operation Flush.”
However, an update from one of Torre’s sources clarifies Garnett’s involvement. The source, close to Garnett, revealed that the former star initially believed he was attending an “afterparty,” not a high-stakes poker game. Additionally, Garnett chose to leave the 2019 poker gathering in Los Angeles early. Importantly, the source confirmed that Garnett has not been contacted by federal authorities regarding the investigation.
Garnett’s connection to Billups adds an intriguing layer to the story. The two were teammates with the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2000 to 2002 and have maintained a close friendship since. Billups’ encouragement reportedly played a role in Garnett’s decision to sign with the Boston Celtics in 2007, a move that eventually led to Garnett winning his first and only NBA championship in 2008.
As Pablo Torre continues to investigate the poker scandal, more former NBA players linked to Billups or the gambling operation are likely to be named in the coming weeks.
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### Chauncey Billups Denies Gambling Allegations
In response to the charges, Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups released a statement firmly denying any involvement in illegal gambling activities. Billups and his legal team have vowed to fight the accusations.
ESPN reporter Shams Charania shared the statement from Billups’ attorney, which reads:
“Anyone who knows Chauncey Billups knows he is a man of integrity; men of integrity do not cheat and defraud others. To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his hall-of-fame legacy, his reputation, and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game.”
Billups made a court appearance on Thursday as the federal case moves forward.
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The unfolding investigation promises further revelations in the weeks ahead as authorities continue to uncover the full extent of the alleged gambling scheme. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/nba-news-new-update-surfaces-pablo-torre-linked-kevin-garnett-poker-scandal
