Curry, Green React as NBA Gambling Scandal Shakes League

Curry & Green Respond to Explosive NBA Gambling Scandal

Golden State Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have weighed in on the NBA’s growing gambling controversy, as multiple high-profile figures, including Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups, face federal charges.

The scandal, revealed Thursday, involves FBI-led investigations into betting irregularities, mafia-linked poker games, and allegations of injury-faking to manipulate gambling markets. While the league faces growing scrutiny, Curry and Green have issued firm statements supporting the integrity of the game.

Curry: “I Wouldn’t Worry About That Too Much”

Despite the high-profile arrests, Curry — a two-time NBA MVP — expressed confidence in the sport’s resilience.

“The integrity of the game is fine,” Curry said. “Everybody’s very mindful of what to do and what not to do. We all are very responsible.”

Curry emphasized the broader shift in American sports since the 2018 legalization of sports betting, calling it “new territory” for all leagues, not just the NBA.

Green: “I Was Shocked”

Draymond Green, Curry’s long-time teammate and a four-time NBA champion, acknowledged the severity of the situation but rejected the idea that the NBA’s partnerships with gambling companies opened a dangerous path.

“I was shocked. It’s a tough moment for the individuals involved, a tough moment for the league,” Green stated.

“But partnering with gambling companies doesn’t make gambling more accessible. The accessibility is already there.”

The Allegations: Rozier, Billups, and a Mafia Connection

Federal indictments revealed Terry Rozier (Miami Heat) and Chauncey Billups (Portland Trail Blazers) among over 30 individuals arrested.

Rozier, 31, is accused of:

• Leaking insider information

• Faking injuries to influence betting odds

• Manipulating markets ahead of a March 2023 Hornets vs Pelicans game

Billups, who coached his team against Minnesota just hours before his arrest, is named in a separate indictment related to illegal poker games allegedly tied to organized crime. Charges include:

• Wire fraud

• Robbery

• Bank fraud

• Illegal gambling

Both men deny wrongdoing and were placed on immediate leave by the NBA.

Jones and NBA Matches Under Scrutiny

Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones was also arrested. He is accused of involvement in two rigged NBA games:

• Lakers vs Bucks (Feb 2023)

• Lakers vs Thunder (Jan 2024)

The FBI has identified seven total matches between Feb 2023 and March 2024 under investigation.

Commissioner Silver’s Authority and Response

Under Article 35 of the NBA constitution, Commissioner Adam Silver has the power to issue:

• Suspensions

• Fines

• Expulsions

• Perpetual disqualification

Silver has recently called for tougher national gambling regulations and is expected to take swift action once investigations conclude.

“This is not just about protecting the NBA, it’s about protecting American sports,” one league source said.