URGENT UPDATE: Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has been arrested as part of a federal investigation into illegal sports betting and rigged poker games. In a press conference just hours before the LA Clippers’ game against the Trail Blazers on October 29, 2023, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue revealed that he has spoken with Billups and noted that he is “really confident about the situation.”
Lue, who has known Billups since they were both teenagers, expressed deep concern for his long-time friend and his family. “It’s hard to process,” Lue said. “You hate to see him go through something like this, along with his three girls, who are my goddaughters, and his wife, Piper.”
In a heartfelt statement, Lue emphasized his belief in Billups’ character, stating, “I believe in Chauncey’s character. I know who he is as a person. I’ve been with him since I was 17 years old. So, it’s just hard to see something like this happen. He has my love and support always.”
Lue described their conversation, indicating he could sense Billups’ emotional state through his voice. “When you’ve known somebody so long, you can just tell by their voice — if he’s OK. Like I said, he’s confident in what’s going on,” Lue commented. “The toughest part for him is just like his family going through this with his daughters. But other than that, he’s really confident about the situation. So just hearing his voice, I can just see that he’s OK. So that was good to hear.”
As a result of the arrest, the Trail Blazers have placed Billups on leave and appointed Tiago Splitter as interim coach. Under Splitter’s leadership, the Trail Blazers secured a victory against the Golden State Warriors on October 27, 2023, marking a significant moment in the team’s transitional period.
This developing story continues to unfold, and the implications for Billups and the Trail Blazers are significant. Fans and players alike are rallying around the coach during this tumultuous time, aware of the emotional and personal struggles he faces.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops, and follow official channels for the latest information on this urgent matter.
