Senate Demands NBA Details Amid Major Gambling Indictments

UPDATE: The United States Senate has taken urgent action, sending a letter to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver following last week’s shocking federal indictments involving prominent figures in the league, including Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat and Chauncey Billups, coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. The Senate’s Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), has expressed serious concern about the integrity of NBA games amid allegations linked to gambling violations.

The committee’s letter, dispatched on Monday, demands detailed information on the NBA’s policies regarding gambling and a comprehensive list of ongoing investigations into betting practices. Lawmakers emphasized that “the integrity of NBA games must be trustworthy and free from the influence of organized crime or gambling-related activity,” highlighting the potential public perception that such scandals could corrupt all sports.

This is the second communication from Congress to the NBA following the indictments of Rozier, Billups, and former player Damon Jones, who were among 34 individuals indicted as part of two related federal gambling investigations. The Senate’s letter specifically requests documentation of any investigations involving players, coaches, or team employees since 2020, along with communications between the NBA and sportsbooks regarding suspicious wagers.

The urgency of this inquiry stems from the serious allegations against Rozier, who is accused of sharing insider information and altering his performance in at least one game to benefit gamblers. The indictment claims he profited from these bets, raising questions about the NBA’s oversight and accountability.

In January 2025, the NBA stated it investigated unusual betting activity on Rozier’s unders in March 2023 but found no violations of league rules. Following the recent indictments, Silver publicly stated that the league “couldn’t find anything” that warranted disciplinary action against Rozier and confirmed the player cooperated fully during the investigation, even surrendering his phone.

The Senate committee insists it requires clarity on why Rozier was allowed to continue playing despite these serious accusations. “This Committee needs to understand the specifics of the NBA’s investigation,” they wrote, pressing the need for transparency in the league’s handling of gambling issues.

As developments unfold, this situation could redefine how professional sports leagues manage gambling-related challenges and maintain the integrity of their games. Expect further updates as the NBA responds to the Senate’s demands and the implications of these indictments continue to resonate within the league and its fanbase.