Silver: federal indictments threaten league integrity

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Friday he was "deeply disturbed" by a federal gambling indictment that led to nearly three dozen arrests this week, including Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland coach Chauncey Billups, and vowed the league will prioritize protecting the integrity of competition. Silver made the remarks during a pregame broadcast ahead of Friday's Knicks-Celtics game, apologizing to fans and saying the developments left him with "a pit in my stomach."

Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment that alleges a broad scheme involving rigged poker games and inside information used to place bets. Officials say Rozier is charged with conspiring to help associates win wagers tied to his in-game performance, stemming from an incident in March 2023 when he allegedly told an associate he would exit a game early and bettors placed large sums on under wagers. Billups is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with allegedly Mafiabacked poker rings. Both Rozier and Billups have denied wrongdoing through counsel and have been placed on administrative leave.

Silver said the league had investigated unusual betting activity...