Home / Sports / Blazers Coach Billups Arrested in Gambling Scandal, Splitter Takes Over
Blazers Coach Billups Arrested in Gambling Scandal, Splitter Takes Over
24 Oct
Summary
- Blazers coach Chauncey Billups arrested on wire fraud, money laundering charges
- Tiago Splitter named interim coach after Billups placed on leave
- Blazers lost season opener to Timberwolves, outscored 30-19 in 4th quarter
On the evening of October 24th, 2025, the Portland Trail Blazers played their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Blazers led for most of the game but were outscored 30-19 in the fourth quarter, ultimately falling 118-114.
The following morning, October 25th, 2025, the Blazers were dealt an even bigger blow when head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering as part of an FBI gambling investigation. Billups, a former NBA player, was placed on immediate leave by the team.
In the wake of these off-court developments, the Blazers have turned to Tiago Splitter to serve as the interim head coach. Splitter, a former NBA player himself, will become the first Brazilian to lead an NBA team. He previously served as an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets.
The Blazers will look to put the distractions aside and focus on basketball when they host the Golden State Warriors on October 25th, 2025. The Warriors are coming off a dramatic overtime win against the Denver Nuggets, led by a 42-point performance from Stephen Curry.
