NBA Ignored Senate Probe into Gambling Scandal Despite Player Indictments
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Joseph Nocella, Jr. speaks alongside FBI Director Kash Patel during a press conference at the U.S. Attorney's Office, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in New York, announcing numerous arrests in illegal sports betting and poker game schemes. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)
By Solange Reyner | Monday, 10 November 2025 05:16 PM EST
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has yet to respond to a letter from the Senate Commerce Committee regarding the league’s gambling scandal, according to The Hill. The committee, led by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, sent a request in late October for details about the NBA’s betting policies by Nov. 10, following the federal indictment of Miami guard Terry Rozier and Portland coach Chauncey Billups over gambling-related charges.
The letter also sought information on the league’s interactions with legalized sportsbooks and asked Silver to address “alleged instances of sports gambling, wagering and game rigging” to prevent ties between players or coaches and organized crime. Federal officials accused Rozier of conspiring with associates to manipulate bets based on his statistical performance during a 2023 game for the Hornets. Gamblers who wagered he would finish “under” specific totals won their bets, prompting sportsbooks to flag unusual betting patterns. The NBA investigated but found insufficient evidence to conclude Rozier violated any rules, as it lacks subpoena power.
NBA staff met with congressional aides last week to discuss the league’s relationship with sportsbooks and ongoing gambling scandals linked to Rozier, Billups, and others. Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., also questioned why Rozier was allowed to continue playing after federal charges were filed against him. Silver expressed concern over allegations of criminal gambling fraud in late October, stating the league’s “integrity of competition” is paramount.
Newsmax Wires contributed to this report.
