What A Day – FBI Takes Down NBA-Mafia Gambling Ring

Host: Jane Coaston
Guest: Mike Vorkonov (NBA business reporter, The Athletic)
Date: October 24, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode digs into the explosive news that the FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, has busted an extensive illegal gambling ring involving prominent NBA players, coaches, and members of the Mafia. Host Jane Coaston, joined by The Athletic’s Mike Vorkonov, explores the details of the investigation, how the NBA became vulnerable to such scandals, and what the fallout could mean for sports betting and professional basketball as the new season begins. The episode also briefly covers other significant stories such as the ballooning US national debt and the latest clemency controversy with President Trump.

Key Discussion Points

1. The FBI’s Coordinated Takedown

[00:26–02:00]

• On Thursday, FBI Director Kash Patel announced indictments in a criminal gambling investigation touching NBA players, coaches, and the Mafia.
• Over 30 individuals from 11 states were arrested, with the case ongoing.
• Patel took public credit for a probe largely started before his tenure.

Memorable Quote:

“Individuals such as Chauncey Billups, Damon Jones, and Terry Rozier were taken into custody today ... This is an illegal gambling operation and sports rigging operation that spanned the course of years.”
—Kash Patel (via Jane Coaston), [01:32]

2. Details of the NBA Gambling Cases

[02:00–05:06]

• DOJ unveiled two related cases:
  • Sports Betting Ring: Involved insider info from NBA players and personnel for betting on NBA games and prop bets. Notably implicated: Terry Rozier (Miami Heat) and Damon Jones (ex-player, coach).
  • Rigged Poker Games: Involved Mafia and pro players setting up poker games designed to fleece targets. Chauncey Billups (Blazers head coach, Pistons legend) played a central role.
• Per indictment, ex-NBA figures (dubbed “face cards”) helped lure new victims into poker schemes.

Memorable Quote:

“He’s alleged to have been one of the people help setting up these rigged games ... used to help lure in potential future victims.”
—Mike Vorkonov, [04:48]

3. Overlap Between the Two Cases

[05:06–06:35]

• Three individuals charged in both schemes (including Damon Jones).
• Example: Jones sold injury info for $2,500, enabling an illicit $100K bet against the Lakers, who ironically won.
• Evidence points to Chauncey Billups as a central but not always named conspirator. He fits a redacted profile in the indictment (“co-conspirator number eight”).

Memorable Quote:

“If you go on basketball reference ... that is Chauncey Billups.”
—Jane Coaston, [06:32]

4. Why the NBA is So Vulnerable to Gambling Scandals

[06:35–07:48]

• Basketball is uniquely sensitive: Individual players have a disproportionate effect on outcomes and stats, making it easier to rig or influence bets.
• NBA player salaries are the highest among sports leagues, yet scandals persist.

Memorable Quote:

“Basketball, unlike every other sport, is so dependent on one particular player ... that can change things so much.”
—Mike Vorkonov, [06:50]

5. Legality of NBA Betting for Players and Coaches

[07:48–08:41]

• NBA personnel can bet on anything except NBA (and its affiliates) games.
• Promoting or disclosing insider/non-public information is strictly prohibited.
• Players like LeBron James may advertise for gaming companies (FanDuel, DraftKings), deepening the entanglement between league and betting.

Memorable Quote:

“You’re basically allowed to bet on anything but basketball, anything but the NBA ... but you cannot also give away what we call insider information.”
—Mike Vorkonov, [07:57]

6. NBA’s Relationship with Sports Betting — Now and After the Scandal

[08:41–10:12]

• The NBA and licensed betting are deeply linked; several arenas have on-site sportsbooks, and the league has multiple betting partnerships.
• Despite the controversy and negative fan interactions, the financial incentive for the league is enormous.
• NBA has said it’s tried to limit betting markets, but meaningful change is unlikely.

Notable Exchange:

Jane: “If you are sending Venmo requests to an NBA player, you need to just back off. Like put your phone down and go outside.”
Mike: “Yes, yes, absolutely, I agree with you.”
[09:20–09:34]

“This drives revenue for the NBA ... They are still at the limb of the sportsbooks to some degree who are their partners. So it’s not as if it’s isolated from the NBA itself.”
—Mike Vorkonov, [09:34]

7. What Happens Next? NBA and DOJ Responses

[10:12–11:13]

• Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier suspended/placed on leave.
• Federal investigation continues; more indictments possible.
• NBA’s internal probe previously cleared Rozier, raising big questions about oversight competence.

Memorable Quote:

“It’s clear that their own investigation into these types of things was not sufficient. So you might have to just let the federal government do its thing.”
—Mike Vorkonov, [11:13]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Your winning streak has ended. Your luck has run out. Violating the law is a losing proposition. And you can bet on that.”
  —U.S. Attorney Joseph Nosella Jr., [02:30]

• “They have tried over the last few years to kind of reel in sportsbooks from what people can bet on. But ... they are still at the limb of the sportsbooks to some degree.”
  —Mike Vorkonov, [09:34]

• “This investigation comes as the NBA season is just getting started and as sports betting has never been more prominent in America.”
  —Jane Coaston, [02:45]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:26–02:00] – FBI announces NBA/Mafia gambling ring bust
• [02:00–05:06] – Case details: players, mafia, rigged games, and insider bets
• [05:06–06:35] – Connections and overlapping criminal charges
• [06:35–07:48] – Why basketball is ripe for betting scandals
• [07:48–08:41] – What's legal or illegal for NBA insiders in betting
• [08:41–10:12] – Gambling’s influence on the league’s business and culture
• [10:12–11:13] – Immediate aftermath: NBA response and federal investigation

Additional Topics Briefly Covered

1. US National Debt Hits $38 Trillion

[15:06] – Fastest climb in history, rising $70,000 per second.
Jane: “That’s more than $250 million an hour, or 23.6 White House ballrooms a day.”

2. Trump Pardons Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao

[17:21–18:15] – Released despite major crypto crimes; financial ties to Trump family disclosed.

Quote:

“Trump’s pardon of Zhao fits into a broad pattern of his taking a hands off approach to an industry that spent heavily to help him win the election in 2024.”
—Jane Coaston

3. US/Israel Tension Over West Bank Vote

[16:21–17:21] – Vice President Vance condemns a symbolic Israeli parliamentary vote; Trump reaffirms anti-annexation stance.

Conclusion

This episode of "What A Day" spotlights the seismic implications of the FBI’s gambling ring indictment, focusing on how NBA culture, player power, and the league's close business ties to betting made such a scandal possible. The discussion balances hard news with Jane Coaston’s signature wit and detailed analysis, offering a thorough primer for anyone looking to understand what happened — and what it means for the future of sports and gambling in America.