Shaquille O’Neal Expresses Disgust Over NBA Gambling Scandal Involving Coaches and Players
Shaquille O’Neal, the four-time NBA champion, has voiced his embarrassment following recent revelations about illegal sports betting and alleged game-fixing involving NBA figures. On Thursday, O’Neal shared his dismay over the scandal, which reportedly involves several coaches and players manipulating games through rigged gambling schemes.
The investigation has already led to the arrest of Chauncey Billups, Damon Jones, and Terry Rozier, along with 30 others suspected of involvement. Speaking on *Inside the NBA*, O’Neal said, “I’m ashamed that those guys would put their families and their careers in jeopardy.”
Billups, currently the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Damon Jones, a former Cleveland Cavaliers star, stand accused of assisting Mafia members in swindling wealthy individuals during high-stakes poker games. According to the indictment, Billups and other former professional athletes acted as the “face cards,” lending credibility to the games and thereby attracting victims. In return, they allegedly received a portion of the Mafia’s winnings.
Terry Rozier, a point guard for the Miami Heat, is accused of providing inside information to co-conspirators about an injury he suffered in a March 2023 game. This information allegedly enabled others to place bets on his underperformance after he left the game early.
“There’s an old saying in the hood,” O’Neal remarked. “‘All money ain’t good money.’ So if you’re making $9 million and you’re dealing a certain thing like, how much more do you need? Especially if you know you can get caught, face jail time, lose your career, and bring a bad image on yourself, your family, or the NBA.”
O’Neal added bluntly, “They dropped the ball.”
In response to the scandal, the NBA has placed both Rozier and Billups on administrative leave. Damon Jones, who is not currently employed by the league, is not subject to any NBA disciplinary measures at this time.
The NBA is actively cooperating with law enforcement authorities as the investigation continues.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the situation during the Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden on Friday, October 24.
“My initial reaction was I was deeply disturbed,” Silver said in an interview with Amazon Prime reporter Cassidy Hubbarth. “There’s nothing more important to the league and its fans than the integrity of the competition, so I had a pit in my stomach. It was very upsetting.”
As this story develops, the NBA and its fans await further updates on one of the most serious scandals to hit the league in recent years.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/shaquille-oneal-responds-to-nba-gambling-arrests
