Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were among more than 30 people arrested Thursday, Oct. 23, in two federal gambling-related investigations. The criminal cases are related to the manipulation of sports betting and poker games, with active involvement of Mafia families, The Associated Press reported. During a press conference, authorities said Billups was charged in an indictment alleging a scheme to set up underground poker games. It was backed by La Cosa Nostra crime families. In another case, Rozier is accused of participating in an illegal sports betting scheme. In addition to defrauding the NBA’s perpetrators, officials “entered and executed a system of justice against La Cosa Nostra to include the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese crime families,” FBI Director Kash Patel said, according to USA Today. La Cosa Nostra: What is it? Commonly referred to as the American Mafia, it is an organized crime network that originated among Sicilian immigrants in the early 20th century. Later, it gained significant roots in several other American cities, reports Newsweek. According to the FBI, it is structured around “families” and remains linked to illegal gambling, extortion, drug trafficking and racketeering. The Mafia’s growing influence in financing illegal gambling operations highlights its role in sports-related corruption. The term “La Cosa Nostra” is associated with a secret criminal society that is believed to have developed in the country, especially in regions such as New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. It operates via “families”, which take control of their territories and criminal enterprises. Among these include drug trafficking, extortion, illegal gambling and others. La Cosa Nostra continues to operate in several cities in the United States, despite major crackdowns by the FBI and decades of prosecution in various cases. Those involved often remain underground or hidden behind legitimate businesses. La Cosa Nostra: What does it mean? According to Newsweek, “La Cosa Nostra” means “our thing” in Italian. This shows their code of secrecy as well as loyalty among the families involved. This helps them distinguish themselves from outsiders. The phrase originated in the mid-20th century in the US when the members decided to highlight their organization. In the US, New York has long been seen as the epicenter of “La Cosa Nostra” activity. The city is also home to the “Five Families”, which include Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese. Each controls specific areas and industries in the country, including labor unions, gambling and others. FAQ When were Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier arrested? They were arrested on Thursday, October 23. What charges are Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier facing? According to The Associated Press, they face charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud. Who are members of the “Five Families” of New York? These include Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese.
What is La Cosa Nostra? How the Mafia Is Linked to NBA Gambling Investigation Involving Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups
