The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation sent a letter to NBA commissioner Adam Silver on Monday seeking information about the league’s handling of gambling-related investigations.
The request follows federal indictments of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, and former player-coach Damon Jones, which the committee described as a matter of “Congressional concern,” according to ESPN’s David Purdum.
Chairman Ted Cruz and the panel asked the NBA to provide documentation of its gambling policies and a list of investigations involving players, coaches, employees, or owners since 2020. The letter also requested communications between the league, sportsbooks, and integrity monitors regarding suspicious wagers.
The committee specifically requested the findings and report from the NBA’s internal investigation into Rozier, who is accused of sharing insider information to facilitate large bets over the past two years. Rozier, arrested at an Orlando hotel, posted a $6 million home as collateral and surrendered his passport as part of bail conditions.
Billups was taken into custody at his Portland home and faces charges tied to mafia-linked illegal poker operations spanning New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. He must also surrender his passport, and Tiago Splitter has been named interim head coach for Portland in his absence.
Damon Jones is implicated in both poker and sports betting offenses, allegedly sharing information, including LeBron James’ game status, with betting networks. Rozier and Billups were arraigned on Thursday and released on bail, but both face ongoing federal proceedings that could have long-term career impacts.
NBA insider Shams Charania highlighted the scale of the investigation, noting the operation has grown from a small group of co-conspirators to over 30 arrests across multiple states. He explained that while the NBA previously investigated Rozier, the league lacked federal authority to access all relevant materials.
The FBI has described the scheme as a sophisticated, multi-state criminal enterprise involving wire fraud, money laundering, and extortion. With more arrests expected, the NBA continues to navigate unprecedented legal and operational challenges, while the Senate committee seeks clarity on the league’s oversight and enforcement of gambling regulations.
