NBA Tells Teams to Provide Cell Phone Data in Gambling Probe
The National Basketball League is asking several teams to hand over their cell phone data as authorities continue their investigation into players’ illegal gambling.
The NBA is requesting the data and other documents from several teams after federal agents arrested Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Heat guard Terry Rozier and more in October as part of the gambling investigation, according to Sports Illustrated.
Law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz was reportedly hired to help the NBA investigate the accusations, according to Athletics.
Close associates of LeBron James, Lakers assistant coach Mike Mancias and executive director Randy Mims, reportedly voluntarily handed over their own cell phone data.
Neither Lakers official has been charged with violations.
“The NBA retained an independent law firm to investigate the allegations contained in the indictment once it was made public,” an NBA spokesperson said. Athletics. “As is the norm in this type of investigation, a number of different people and organizations have been asked to preserve documents and records. Everyone has been fully cooperative.”
Billups denied any wrongdoing after being arrested in connection with the gambling investigation.
“Anyone who knows Chauncey Billups knows that he is a man of integrity; men of integrity do not cheat or defraud others,” the coach’s attorney, Chris Heywood, said in a statement, according to Fox Sports.
Billups was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering and is scheduled to be arraigned in New York on November 24.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says he is “deeply disturbed” by the investigation.
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