00:00NBA instructs several teams to hand over cell phone data amid probe.
00:05The NBA has deepened its review of a federal gambling investigation that has already resulted in several arrests,
00:10including Portland Trailblazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
00:16According to Sports Illustrated, the league has requested data and documentation from multiple teams as part of its internal response.
00:24Federal authorities arrested Billups, Rozier, and others in October in connection with what prosecutors describe as a large-scale illegal gambling operation.
00:34Billups faces alleged charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering and is scheduled to be arraigned on November 24th in New York.
00:42He has denied any wrongdoing.
00:45His attorney, Chris Haywood, said in a statement that Billups is a man of integrity and would never engage in fraud.
00:51To assist with its internal investigation, the NBA has retained the law firm Wachtel, Lipton, Rosen, and Katz,
00:59which has handled major corporate inquiries across multiple industries.
01:03Their job is to evaluate the allegations outlined in the federal indictment
01:07and determine whether any violations of league rules or integrity policies may have occurred.
01:12The league has requested that individuals and organizations preserve documents, text messages, and other communications relevant to the case.
01:19Officials say all parties have been fully cooperative so far.
01:24Media attention has centered on two Los Angeles Lakers staff members,
01:28assistant trainer Mike Mancius and executive administrator Randy Mims, both longtime associates of LeBron James.
01:35According to reports, they voluntarily turned over their cell phone data.
01:39Neither has been accused of wrongdoing or linked directly to the alleged scheme.
01:43NBA commissioner Adam Silver called the case deeply disturbing,
01:48emphasizing the league's commitment to protecting the integrity of the game,
01:51especially as legalized sports betting expands nationwide.
01:55Professional leagues have increasingly faced challenges balancing betting partnerships with strict internal conduct rules.
02:01The next major update is expected when Billups appears in court later this month.
02:06Federal officials have not released full details of the alleged operation,
02:09and the NBA's internal review remains ongoing.
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