An NBA head coach has been removed from his position after federal authorities indicted him on charges of participating in a high-stakes poker game manipulation scheme, prompting the immediate appointment of an interim replacement.
Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, was dismissed following the indictment. His assistant, Tiago Splitter, was named interim head coach.
Federal authorities confirmed the indictment against Billups, alleging he was involved in an extensive plot to accumulate millions through poker game manipulation. Miami Heat player Terry Rozier was also indicted in a separate but similar case involving alleged financial schemes.
The Trail Blazers issued a brief statement regarding the situation. “We are aware of the allegations involving head coach Chauncey Billups, and the Trail Blazers are cooperating fully with the investigation,” the team said.
“Billups has been removed immediately, and Tiago Splitter will assume head coaching duties on an interim basis. Any further questions should be directed to the NBA.”
Splitter, 40, was promoted to assistant coach under Billups in June. He previously served as head coach for Paris Basketball in France’s top league for one season. He also worked as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets.
The former Brazilian center, who stands 2.08 meters tall, played seven years in the NBA. His career included stints with the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Splitter won an NBA title with the Spurs in 2014 before officially retiring from basketball in 2018.
In the wake of Billups’ removal, the Trail Blazers canceled their scheduled practice on Thursday. The team is set to host the Golden State Warriors in an upcoming game.
Billups had signed a multi-year contract extension with the Trail Blazers in April. This season marked his fifth with the team, which lost its home opener to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.