Published on: October 25, 2025, 03:19h.
Updated on: October 25, 2025, 03:19h.
- Congress has summoned NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to provide testimony concerning the league’s illicit gambling controversy
- Multiple current and former players and coaches have been implicated in FBI indictments
Congress is pressing the NBA for clarity regarding what is rapidly becoming the most significant sports betting scandal since Pete Rose was implicated in wagering on baseball over forty years ago.
Recently, the FBI announced two federal indictments identifying over 30 individuals who allegedly participated in an illegal sports betting and gambling scheme, with links to New York crime syndicates. Notable current and former NBA players, including Terry Rozier, Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, and Damon Jones, were named in the indictments.
“This is akin to insider trading for the NBA,” stated FBI Director Kash Patel on Thursday. “We’re discussing tens of millions of dollars associated with fraud, theft, and robbery—not just thousands or millions.”
Rozier faces accusations of intentionally losing games and feigning injuries to benefit his illegal gambling partners. Jones is alleged to have shared insider information regarding key players, including LeBron James, with bettors seeking an advantage. Billups is thought to have engaged in an illegal poker operation purportedly linked to organized crime.
Congress Seeks Clarity
On Friday, bipartisan leaders from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce wrote to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, requesting his testimony concerning federal indictments related to sports corruption and illegal gambling.
The committee is keen to understand the league’s perspective on the insider sports betting issue, the measures it plans to take to prevent the misuse of confidential information, and the effectiveness of its Code of Conduct in prohibiting such unlawful actions. They also seek clarification on how current regulations may have enabled these activities and whether the league intends to review its sports betting affiliations.
The upcoming hearing is likely to also cover player props, or bets directly influenced by individual players.
Silver Expresses Concern
Silver was questioned about the FBI revelations during the Boston Celtics versus New York Knicks game on Friday night.
“My first response was one of deep concern. The integrity of our league and its fans is paramount. I felt a sense of dread—it was very distressing,” Silver remarked during Amazon Prime Video’s inaugural NBA broadcast.
“I apologize to our fans for the turmoil we are currently experiencing,” Silver added.
He also addressed the NBA’s unsuccessful investigation into Rozier’s alleged misconduct, which had been flagged by sportsbooks in 2023 due to suspicious betting patterns surrounding his props.
“We honestly couldn’t find sufficient evidence,” Silver stated. “Terry was cooperative, providing his phone and engaging in an interview. Ultimately, we concluded that while his actions were unusual, the evidence was inadequate for further action.”
Silver concluded by noting that while Rozier hasn’t been convicted, it is clear that “the situation doesn’t appear favorable.”