NBA Gambling Saga Worsens: Another Head Coach Linked
NBA Gambling Saga Worsens: Another Head Coach Linked
A federal investigation into organized crime has unexpectedly reached into professional basketball, connecting NBA figures to an alleged mafia-backed gambling operation. The probe centers on sophisticated poker schemes that reportedly used advanced technology and traditional crime family tactics to defraud high-stakes players of millions of dollars.
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue has emerged as the latest NBA personnel linked to this widening scandal involving La Cosa Nostra associates and rigged poker games in Las Vegas.
🚨➕ Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue was also in attendance at the allegedly rigged April 2019 poker game in Las Vegas, sources with direct knowledge tell @pablofindsout.
But sources say Lue did not play at the same table as his good friend, Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups.
— Pablo Torre 👀 (@PabloTorre) October 25, 2025
Another NBA Legend Linked To Gambling Scandal https://t.co/5B4hYl8Arw
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 25, 2025
The federal investigation has already implicated several prominent basketball figures, including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, in what authorities describe as an elaborate network combining organized crime families with sports industry insiders to manipulate gambling outcomes through hidden cameras, marked cards, and specialized equipment.
Along With Tyronn Lue, Kevin Garnett Tied to Infamous Vegas Poker Game
The expanding investigation into Operation Royal Flush has revealed connections between multiple NBA figures and the 2019 Las Vegas poker game that became central to federal authorities’ case against organized crime. Kevin Garnett and Tyronn Lue both attended the gathering, though their involvement appears to differ significantly from the players facing charges.
Garnett’s presence at the event stemmed from what he believed was an invitation to an afterparty in Los Angeles. Sources indicate the former NBA star departed without participating in any high-stakes card games once he realized the true nature of the gathering.
Federal investigators have not contacted Garnett, suggesting his attendance was coincidental rather than connected to the alleged poker cheating ring. This distinguishes him from other NBA figures who face accusations related to illegal sports betting and rigged poker games.
Key Details of the Operation:
- Game Type: Texas Hold ’em tournaments
- Cheating Methods: X-ray tables, customized contact lenses, hidden cameras
- Participants: Multiple former professional athletes
- Investigation: Ongoing DOJ probe into mafia-linked activities
Lue’s connection to the event places him at the same gathering but does not implicate him in any cheating allegations. The high-tech cheating methods employed by the operation included sophisticated equipment designed to give certain players unfair advantages during play.
The Department of Justice continues examining the scope of this card sharks network. Investigators expect additional names of attendees may surface as they probe deeper into the organized crime connections. The operation allegedly used shady shuffles and specialized contact lenses to manipulate game outcomes across multiple private poker sessions.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
