Before he landed the Blazers head job (2021-22), Billups spent one season as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers (2020-21). And before that, he spent 17 NBA seasons between 1997 and 2014 as a Hall of Fame (2024 class) point guard.

Billups was drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, out of the University of Colorado. He played 17 seasons in the league for seven different teams, one of which was the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he spent two seasons from 2000-2002.

But while Chauncey Billups’ time spent in the Twin Cities as a player was short-lived, it wasn’t nearly as brief as his time as head coach of the 2025-26 Portland Trail Blazers, which as of now, feels like it will end after just one game

Chauncey Billups arrested for illegal poker operation w/Mafia ties

At some point between the end of last night’s season opener between the Wolves and Blazers, and 7:28 a.m. CDT Thursday morning, Billups was arrested by the FBI for his alleged involvement in an illegal gambling operation that reportedly has Mafia ties (Shams – ESPN).

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was also arrested, in a separate but related illegal gambling bust that included a total of 30 people, FBI Director Kash Patel announced this morning, in conjunction with the Billups arrest.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has been arrested by the FBI for alleged illegal gambling, sources tell ESPN.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 23, 2025

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested Thursday as part of a pair of investigations related to illegal gambling, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Rozier was arrested Thursday morning at a hotel in Orlando, Florida. The Heat lost their season opener to the Magic on Wednesday, when Rozier did not play due to a coach’s decision.

Billups’ arrest in Oregon was made as part of a separate but related illegal gambling case linked to an illegal poker operation tied to the Mafia, according to an ABC News report. Billups is expected to make an initial court appearance later Thursday.

Shams Charania – ESPN

Related: MN Timberwolves Have a New Starting Point Guard

This is a huge deal, and the NBA is clearly treating it as such. Unlike Rozier, it does not appear Billups was arrested for fixing or cheating NBA games he was physically involved in. The charges specifically mention rigging and cheating in poker games. So, we will have to wait for more information before knowing exactly what happened.

Chauncey Billups has a brutal 117-212 (.356) record as head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. Only half-joking, you have to wonder if he and the Mafia are holding a gambling debt over the Blazers’ owner, because that’s not a record conducive to a five-year tenure as an NBA team’s head coach.

FBI Director Kash Patel has announced the takedown of a massive illegal gambling ring involving coordination between NBA players, coaches, and several mafia crime families.

The operation stretched across 11 states and spanned several years, resulting in more than 30 arrests so… pic.twitter.com/9haLOUkX77

— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) October 23, 2025

Chauncey Billups the NBA (Minnesota Timberwolves) Player

As a player, Billups averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game, also earning 2x All-NBA Defense. Those numbers, along with 5 All-Star appearances, 3 All-NBA Teams, an NBA Finals win and NBA Finals MVP earned Billups a Hall of Fame induction last year… though that may not stick anymore either.

In the two seasons Chauncey Billups played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, he averaged 10.9 points, 4.5 assists and 2.4 rebounds, over 159 games.

February 27, 2002: Kevin Garnett had 33 PTS/15 REB and Chauncey Billups had 30 PTS/11 AST in the Timberwolves’ 112-101 win over the Lakers.

Billups made seven of his eight 3-point shots. Shaquille O’Neal had 27 PTS and Kobe Bryant added 20 PTS for Los Angeles.

📺CNN World Sport pic.twitter.com/oyiNryXOYO

— NBA Cobwebs (@NBACobwebs) February 27, 2024

He and Kevin Garnett played in seven playoff games together, getting bounced in the first round of the 2001 and 2002 playoffs, before he left for Detroit as a free agent, where he won his only NBA title two years later (2003-04).

But no organization in the league is more aware of just how crucial this stretch of time off is. It was only one year ago that, during July 4th weekend, Vikings recently drafted cornerback Khyree Jackson died in an early morning car accident caused by a drunk driver.

Then, just one week later, wide receiver Jordan Addison was found asleep at the wheel of his car (July 13) by California State Police, near LAX airport, where he was arrested on suspicion of DUI, when he registered a .08 Blood Alcohol Concentration when tested.

Given those circumstances, you have to think that staying safe and out of trouble between now and Minnesota Vikings training camp was a theme being heavily reinforced all week in Eagan, and for very good reason.

Jordan Addison preparing for newly scheduled Jury Trial Setting Conference for DUI case

But just in case Jordan Addison — who pleaded not-guilty to his DUI arrest charges in December — needed more reminding of his 2024 run in with the law, the 2023 1st round draft pick and his attorneys were sent back in time on Friday, when they set the date for his “jury trial setting conference” for Monday, June 16.

A jury trial setting conference is scheduled for Monday, for #Vikings receiver Jordan Addison’s case in Los Angeles. Addison has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor DUI charges stemming from a July 12 arrest after he was found asleep at the wheel near LAX.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) June 13, 2025

In a jury trial setting conference — which is also known as either a pretrial or status conference — is a court hearing where judge and attorneys get together to discuss the case’s readiness for trial. The main goal of next week’s hearing, according to the Cron, Israels & Stark Law Firm out of California, is to determine if the case is ready to go to trial.

Related: Recently Cleared JJ McCarthy Claps Back at Arm Strength Criticism

The significance of the jury trial setting conference cannot be understated. Not only will Jordan Addison be in attendance, but if one of the two parties do not back down on Monday, then Jordan will walk out of the hearing with a trial date in-hand.

Why would Addison fight charges?

If Addison’s case does go to trial, it will become part of the rare 5% of DUI cases that make it to trial, according to the Vu Law Office, in California. Here are the top three reasons they list for the few times that DUI cases do actually wind up in trial. If found guilty, Addison will likely be suspended by the league for 1-3 games.

1. Disagreement in Resolution: The defense and prosecution cannot agree on a suitable plea deal. Either the prosecutor demands too much, or the defense believes they can secure a better outcome at trial.
2. Proof Issues: Sometimes the prosecution’s evidence may not be strong enough to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in light of DUI Defenses, leading the defense to challenge the accuracy of breath or blood tests, field sobriety tests, or officer conduct.
3. Defendant’s Decision: In some cases, the defendant insists on a trial, hoping the outcome will be in their favor, even when evidence suggests otherwise.

Over the course of Adrian Peterson’s 15-year career, he compiled 14,918 rushing yards and 120 touchdowns on 3,230 carries. 11,747 of those yards and 97 of his touchdowns came in a Vikings uniform. Both numbers are far and away the most in franchise history.

Related: The Minnesota Vikings Select… Donovan Jackson, Ohio State

Thus, it wasn’t surprising when AP showed up at U.S. Bank Stadium on Thursday night for the annual Minnesota Vikings draft party, where he sat next to radio voice of the Vikings, Paul Allen, and chopped it up over all things football.

NOW: All Day came to play! #Vikings legendary RB Adrian Peterson joins the broadcast!@iHeartRadio | @heatcool2
TUNE IN: https://t.co/f0Xt5Pbgog pic.twitter.com/5jGrpd2cD3

— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) April 25, 2025

Adrian Peterson arrested on suspicion of DWI

Unfortunately, after a great night celebrating with the football fans who love him most, it appears — by this morning’s Hennepin County jail roster — that he did not make it all the way home or to his hotel, when the draft party ended.

Instead, according to public arrest records, Adrian Peterson was arrested Thursday on suspicion of 4th degree misdemeanor DWI, the lowest of all DWI charges, meant for first-time offenders with no aggravating factors.

NEW: Adrian Peterson has been booked into Hennepin County Jail on DWI this morning. pic.twitter.com/kU8zi03MCW

— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) April 25, 2025

According to his arrest details, Peterson was stopped by Minnesota State Patrol for expired license plate tabs. He was booked at 5:16 a.m. CDT and released a little over two hours later, at 7:31 a.m., after posting $4,000 bond. His court appearance is set for May 9.

Peterson’s ever-growing rap sheet

This isn’t Adrian Peterson’s first run in with the law. In July 2012, AP was charged for resisting arrest outside a Houston nightclub. In 2014, he was hit with his most infamous criminal charge, when he eventually plead no contest to “reckless assault” on his son.

In 2022, Peterson was arrested on domestic disturbance charges filed by his wife, which were eventually dropped. Then in the last couple years, AP’s money issues have caught up with him.

Related: Does $600K Lawsuit Against Adrian Peterson Reveal Deeper $$$ Problems?

He even had an warrant was issued for his arrest in Fort Bend County, TX, after a “misunderstanding regarding Adrian’s court appearances as it relates to child support”, according to his publicist at the time.

One decision does not make a man. But hopefully AP stops piling up these bad decisions pretty soon… before he pushes his luck too far.

For every Minneapolis Miracle, Brett Favre destiny and Randy Moss rookie season, there is a 38-7, Bountygate or Gary Anderson missed field goal to pull in the opposite direction. And that’s just on the field stuff.

Off the field, the Minnesota Vikings will always be remembered for the Love Boat scandal, and something called a Whizzinator… In other words, it’s been a history that has probably seen more controversy than it has success, given the Vikings are yet to win a Super Bowl.

Minnesota Vikings lead NFL in arrests

That’s why I was zero percent shocked when I came across the below graphic on Twitter (X), which features the Vikings as the number one ranked team in the NFL, in number of arrests since 2000.

Not sure this is what I want the #Vikings to be leading the NFL in… but here we are.

H/T @thebigsmooth1 pic.twitter.com/5Q6qnqv1hj

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) June 17, 2024

I hate to break it to Justin (who writes for Minnesota Sports Fan) and The Purple Persuasion, but the above graphic is outdated. According to NFLArrest.net (yes, that is a real website), the Minnesota Vikings have had 57 players arrested since the year 2000, which still ranks No. 1 overall, just ahead of Denver’s 56.

I don’t know exactly where the championship parade route is located in Minneapolis, given it has been so long since we’ve had one of those, but I’m going to go setup my lawn chair on Hennepin Ave now and hope for the best.

Related: Albert Breer is Buying Minnesota Vikings Stock Over Other NFC North Teams

If anything has been worthy of a parade in this town since the Twins won the World Series in 1991, it’s the Minnesota Vikings’s arrest record and its deserving place in NFL history. Some of the more iconic arrests are listed at NFLArrest.com as follows:

The most recent Vikings arrests include Jordan Addison getting caught driving 140 MPH last year and Oli Udoh for resisting arrest two years ago. Charges were eventually dropped in Udoh’s case.

So if there is anybody out there on the current roster and you know you are expendable, it’s up to you to keep this going tonight. It’s time to represent for your organization and, more importantly, your fanbase. We need you now more than ever.

Former Minnesota Vikings fan favorite Everson Griffen arrested on DWI charges

That continued early Wednesday morning when Everson was arrested by police in Mound, MN and booked in the Hennepin County jail, where he still remains at noon on Thursday, 35 hours later. It’s Griffen’s second DWI arrest in just over 10 months. He was previously arrested on DWI charges on July 22, 2023.

Everson Griffen is in the Hennepin County jail on DWI charges. #Vikings pic.twitter.com/axYdEosYVU

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) May 30, 2024

According to the criminal complaint, Griffen was clocked going 82 mph in a 55 mph zone and blew a .10 during his preliminary breathalyzer test. There was also .20 grams of cocaine found in his possession. After getting out of jail on Thursday, he reportedly has made his way to Target Center for game 5 of Timberwolves vs Mavericks.

Everson Griffen sighting… 👀

— Reggie Wilson (@ReggieWilsonTV) May 31, 2024

Udoh’s Attorney Strongly Denies Allegations

But, there are two sides to every story. And on Wednesday afternoon, Oli Udoh’s attorney sent a statement, in which he STRONGLY denied all allegations of wrongdoing against his client, to relevant media members who are following the situation.

Oli never followed a woman into the restroom and never prevented a woman from going anywhere — and I have personally verified that any allegation to the contrary is 100% false. In fact, the woman approached Oli that night and they had a cordial conversation which ended in their exchanging of phone numbers. She has since reached out to us and has confirmed the allegations are completely false. Oli committed no crime whatsoever under Florida law, and we look forward to a speedy resolution of this case — one in which eh never should have been arrested. — Brian Bieber (Oli Udoh’s Attorney)

Two Sides to Every Story

There’s a lot happening in this text message statement, tweeted out by Chris Tomasson (Pioneer Press). This isn’t your standard denial or attorney runaround.

Udoh’s attorney, Brian Bieber, claims to have verifiable proof to prove innocence, including testimony from the alleged victim and lead witness. One thing is for sure. This is why a good legal system allows both sides to be heard. Things are not always as they originally seem.

Will that be the case here? We do not yet know. But Brian Bieber’s statement certainly throws an extra wrinkle into the reality of what we knew earlier today.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

According to a report by Andy Slater, Udoh (full name: Olisaemeka Udoh) followed an unwilling woman into the bathroom at a nightclub and wouldn’t leave. His arrest charges, according to Slater, are disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

SLATER SCOOP: Minnesota Vikings’ Oli Udoh was arrested on Saturday in Miami.

The NFL offensive lineman was talking to a woman in the bathroom line at a nightclub, followed her in, and then wouldn’t leave, sources tell me.

Udoh got charged with disorderly conduct and resisting.

— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) October 23, 2022

Oli Udoh on the field

On the field, Oli Udoh has been rather irrelevant to what the Vikings are doing in 2022, logging just THREE snaps through SIX games. That might be part of why the offensive line has looked so much better, thus far. During 1095 snaps in 2021, Udoh logged a 39.0 pass block grade at PFF (54.4 overall grade).

But this morning, he isn’t worried about football. He has bigger fish to fry.

(This post will be updated as more information becomes available)

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

During the process of recovering said weapons, police found a THC vape pen. Marijuana (and other THC substances) are illegal to possess in Texas. The findings prompted a search of Prince’s vehicle, where officers found less than two ounces of marijuana, in the more classic form. Taurean Prince was then arrested for possession of an illegal substance AND for carrying a firearm while in possession of said illegal substance. The latter, a felony charge.

From Arlington Police : "Under Texas law, it’s illegal to carry a gun while engaging in a criminal offense. Because suspected illegal substances were found in his vehicle, we arrested Mr. Prince for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon and Possession of Marijuana < 2oz . " @KSTP

— Eric Chaloux (@EricChalouxKSTP) August 26, 2022

Not as bad as it looks

So, when the test kit came back from the lab, proving the weed was actually weed, a federal arrest warrant was issued, Prince was arrested at the Miami Airport, reports came out regarding “dangerous drug” charges and we ended up where we are now.

But here’s the thing. Marijuana is not a “dangerous drug” and reports of his arrest never should’ve been portrayed in that manner. According to Darren Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North) the guns in Taurean Prince’s car WERE registered under his name.

Was curious like many, so checked with Arlington, TX police. Taurean Prince is the registered owner of both guns found in his car from May and purchased them legally. #Timberwolves #RaisedbyWolves

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) August 26, 2022

So legally speaking; yes, Prince may have committed a federal crime. But from a common sense standpoint, Taurean is just another freedom-loving American who appreciates his second amendment right to carry a registered firearm; and who happens to smoke pot in his down time.

Note to self: Avoid Texas during hunting season

In other words, Taurean Prince is no different than millions of other responsible adults across the country who own firearms and happen to smoke pot. The writer of this blog included. And guess what, the tabs on this writer’s car are also expired.

Speaking of traffic violations in Texas… Had Taurean Prince been pulled over under the exact same circumstances in, say, Illinois, Michigan, Washington, California, Montana, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Rhode Island, New York or any of the other 19 states where pot is legal, this would be a big nothing-burger. Literally.

Not only would his “possession of an illegal substance” charge go away in any of those 19 states, but so would the “unauthorized possession of a firearm” charge. Everything about his gun possession was legal, until he introduced marijuana into the same vehicle. But if the pot was legal, then so were the guns.

Oh, except the expired tabs. For that, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ forward would probably get “a warning”, a handshake and maybe an autograph to sign for one of the officer’s kids back at home. And it would’ve made for a good story to laugh about with his buddies, the next time they sat around the circle.

Free Taurean Prince

Hopefully, Taurean Prince is out of jail, at this point, and he’s able to plead these bogus charges down to almost nothing, but a slap on the wrist. He doesn’t even deserve that. Which is why the NBA, and the MInnesota Timberwolves, should NOT issue any further discipline on this matter.

Prince should, and hopefully will, suit up on night one of the new season vs the Oklahoma City Thunder. If nothing else, Tim Connelly should be calling and trying to help Prince in any way the Wolves can.

On a completely unrelated note, would you be interested in this T-Shirt?

Would you? pic.twitter.com/X8p4hvhIEE

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 26, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

SLATER SCOOP: Minnesota Timberwolves’ Taurean Prince was arrested on a fugitive warrant this evening at Miami International Airport, multiple sources tell me.

The warrant is from Texas regarding “dangerous drugs,” I’m told. pic.twitter.com/i7jtHyXDVu

— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) August 26, 2022

According to the Miami Herald, the charges against Prince are still unknown. As is whether or not he has hired an attorney. We will update this story as soon as there are updates to give.

UPDATE (8/26 – 11:45 AM)

More information is coming out, regarding Taurean Prince’s arrest from Thursday night. Moments ago, Eric Chaloux (KSTP – CH.5) reported that Prince’s arrest stemmed from a traffic stop back in May. He was pulled over by Arlington Police for expired tabs and the officers found guns and marijuana in Prince’s car.

Possession of marijuana is a crime, in Texas, and carrying a gun, while in possession of an illegal substance, is an additional offense. We do not yet know if the guns in Taurean Prince’s possession were legally registered, which is an awfully important part of this story.

New: TWolves player Taurean Waller-Prince arrested on warrant out of Texas at a Miami airport. Police say they found guns in his car and a vape pen with THC oil (it's illegal in Texas) back in May. The test results just came back on substance, which led to warrant. @kstp

— Eric Chaloux (@EricChalouxKSTP) August 26, 2022

From Arlington Police : "Under Texas law, it’s illegal to carry a gun while engaging in a criminal offense. Because suspected illegal substances were found in his vehicle, we arrested Mr. Prince for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon and Possession of Marijuana < 2oz . " @KSTP

— Eric Chaloux (@EricChalouxKSTP) August 26, 2022

If Prince’s guns WERE legally registered, and there doesn’t appear to be charges for non-registered firearms, then all accused crimes stem from his marijuana possession. Even the firearm charges. Remember, pot is legal in many states across the US and decriminalized in most others. We’ll update this blog as soon as more information becomes available.

Stay tuned.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Minnesota Timberwolves guard, Malik Beasley, was arrested on Saturday night, at his home in Plymouth, MN. He faces felony weapons charges (receiving/concealing stolen property) and marijuana possession.

The Athletic broke the news first, announcing the weed possession and “receiving and concealing stolen property” but ESPN was the first to report that as a “felony” weapons charge. The charges are listed on the Hennepin County Jail website as what The Athletic originally reported.

1. Marijuana possession
2. Receiving/Concealing stolen property.

ESPN reporting it a felony weapons charge….. pic.twitter.com/9RHQhUlW75

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) September 27, 2020

Beasley, 23, was arrested after brandishing a gun at someone who then called police, according to sources. After obtaining a search warrant, officers found marijuana and guns in his home in Plymouth, Minnesota, the sources told ESPN.

Mark Schlabach – ESPN

This is not a good look for Beasley but we’ll wait for all of the facts and information to come out. One thing is clear, Beasley’s attorney is getting the “fall guy” defense ready.

We’ll update this post throughout the day, with any additional information that drops.

Attorney for Malik Beasley, Steve Haney, tells @TheAthleticNBA in a statement: “At the time of the incident, multiple individuals were present at the residence. The allegations against Malik will be defended vigorously.” https://t.co/18B29XzlXf

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 27, 2020

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan