Billups and Rozier were arrested separately. US media initially reported only the arrest of the Miami team representative, but later the Portland team coach was also arrested.

In January, a federal investigation was launched in the US into suspicious bets placed by Rozier on the Charlotte Hornets' game against the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023. He was representing Charlotte at the time and had only been on the court for less than ten minutes in the match.

The NBA was aware of suspicious betting on this fight, but at the time, after an investigation, the league did not find that any of its rules had been violated.

Rozier did not take the court for the Heat's first game of the season on Wednesday and was arrested early Thursday morning.

Shortly afterwards, ESPN reported that Billups had also been arrested, suspected of participating in illegal poker operations linked to the mafia.

Billups is leading the Trail Blazers for the fifth consecutive season, and on Wednesday, the Portland team under his leadership began the season with a loss, losing 114-118 at home to the Minnesota Wild.