The recent arrests of Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier due to a federal investigation into sports betting and illegal gambling have raised questions about the NBA’s commitment to safeguarding its players from the pitfalls of wagering. According to Jaylen Brown, a forward for the Boston Celtics and vice president of the National Basketball Players Association, the league’s efforts have been insufficient.

In an interview, Brown expressed concerns over the limited discussions between the NBA and its players regarding safety in the legalized sports betting environment. He emphasized the pressing need for protocols to shield players from potential dangers stemming from bettors and fan interactions, warning of the negative implications this has on the sport.

“A lot more could have been done to help players and prepare players,” said Brown in his pregame press conference. “But even in the aftermath, I don’t think enough attention is given. They believe, ‘You earn this much money, you should handle any extra negativity from fans.’ This creates an adverse effect on the game and on players when money is involved.”

Brown also pointed out the NBA’s thriving partnerships with sportsbooks, which generate significant revenue from bets placed on the league’s games. In response to the current scandal, Commissioner Adam Silver has called for more stringent regulations and requested some partners to limit their player prop bets to maintain integrity.

Brown lamented the lack of proactive measures to discuss protecting players from these emerging risks. “From every conversation I’ve had with the union or the NBA, the focus has been on increasing business rather than ensuring player safety. There hasn’t been enough dialogue on how we can safeguard players in this evolving landscape.”

The investigations have impacted more than 30 individuals by the FBI. Billups was implicated in illegal high-stakes gambling operations, while Rozier has been linked to a group of NBA players allegedly sharing privileged insights with bettors.

Brown concluded by highlighting the need for further dialogues on the repercussions of these issues and advocating for stronger protections for players in the betting arena. “The gambling industry was introduced a couple of years ago without considering its ramifications on players. We don’t benefit from any of this, but we face scrutiny concerning gambling issues, which can undermine the integrity of the game. We need dedicated conversations about these challenges.”

This situation marks the NBA’s second major gambling scandal in a mere two years, following the banning of Jontay Porter in 2024 related to prop betting schemes.