The NBA has requested that several teams submit their cell phones and documentation in connection with an inquiry into unlawful sports betting, according to The Athletic. This action comes in light of the recent indictment by the Department of Justice against three NBA personnel who allegedly supplied confidential injury information to gamblers, highlighting renewed concerns about compliance gaps within the industry.

The NBA has engaged Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to head the investigation. The law firm has collected cell phones from Mike Mancias, an assistant trainer for the Los Angeles Lakers, and executive administrator Randy Mims, both of whom complied with the request. Neither individual has been charged or identified in the DOJ indictments. Reports indicate that at least 10 employees from the Lakers are anticipated to be asked to relinquish their phones and records.

“An independent law firm was engaged by the NBA to explore the allegations detailed in the indictment once it became public,” stated an NBA representative to The Athletic. “As is typical in such investigations, several individuals and organizations have been instructed to preserve their documents and records. All parties have been fully cooperative.”

This request follows the DOJ’s federal indictment of Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player and coach Damon Jones. The DOJ revealed that seven NBA games incurred substantial wagers following the disclosure of nonpublic information to bettors.

Confidential Injury Information Allegations

Prosecutors accused Jones of sharing sensitive injury information about Lakers players and, at least once, receiving details from an unidentified trainer. While the indictment does not specify the players, speculation suggests they include LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Jones entered a plea of not guilty to two charges on November 6, securing release on a $200,000 bond, which prohibits gambling and contact with organized crime.

One of the matches cited involved a game on March 23, 2023, wherein Rozier purportedly informed a childhood friend, Deniro Laster, of his intent to leave the game early due to an injury. The indictment alleges that Laster relayed this information, leading to wagers of approximately $200,000 being placed on Rozier’s “under” prop bets. Rozier played only nine minutes and did not return, with the indictment claiming that Rozier and Laster later counted cash earnings at Rozier’s residence.

Another game mentioned involved a March 24, 2023, matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Chicago Bulls, where an unnamed NBA coach allegedly informed a friend that the team would rest several players to enhance their draft position before this information became public.

Both Rozier and Jones were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Congressional Oversight and League Reaction

Congress has requested information from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver following the indictments. A bipartisan letter from six members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce asked for insights into previous incidents, the league’s measures to avoid the disclosure of confidential information, regulatory gaps that could allow illegal actions, and how the NBA is reassessing its relationships with sports betting enterprises.

Additionally, inquiries resurfaced regarding a March 2023 NBA investigation into suspicious betting behaviors involving Rozier. Silver stated that the NBA examined the situation at that time. “Terry was cooperative and provided the league office with his phone. He participated in an interview. We ultimately concluded there was insufficient evidence — despite the unusual behavior — to proceed,” Silver explained.

In a separate discussion on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show, Silver addressed sports wagering governance, asserting: “I believe there should be increased regulation, frankly. I would prefer federal legislation over state-by-state regulation.”

The league dispatched a memo indicating that the expansion of legal betting, the persistent integrity issues across sports, and the rise of new betting formats present “an important opportunity to thoroughly reassess how sports betting ought to be regulated and how sports leagues can safeguard themselves, their players, and their fans.”

As noted by The Athletic, the NBA is contemplating significant alterations to team protocols regarding injury status reporting. The league has placed Billups and Rozier on administrative leave, emphasizing that “the integrity of our game is our utmost priority,” while stating their commitment to continuing cooperation with federal authorities.