“We’re Fighting for Legacies”: Draymond Green defends players amid NBA gambling controversy

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has once again found itself at the center of controversy after being linked to an alleged illegal gambling and match-fixing operation in the United States.

Federal prosecutors recently named Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups in connection with an ongoing investigation into mafia-linked sports betting and rigged poker games. According to authorities, Billups was arrested for his alleged role in an underground poker network, while Rozier is accused of participating in a scheme to influence game outcomes.

Investigators revealed that the probe involves four of New York’s most infamous crime families — the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese organizations. More than 30 individuals were arrested across multiple states in what officials described as one of the largest illegal gambling crackdowns in recent years.

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Amid the growing controversy, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has spoken out, defending NBA players and condemning what he called unfair generalizations about gambling within the league.

🗣️ “Stop the Bullsh*t” – Draymond Green sounds off on gambling in the #NBA on today’s pod.
Full episode out NOW – wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧 pic.twitter.com/9YcWHuBka8

— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) October 28, 2025

“I think it’s complete bulls**t that the whole world wants to act like all NBA players are just gambling on games,” Green said on The Draymond Green Show podcast. “We are really trying to win these games. We are really fighting for legacies. So I think it’s complete and utter bulls**t.”

Green also addressed concerns about the NBA’s commercial ties with betting platforms, emphasizing that partnerships with sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings do not imply that players are personally involved in gambling activities.

“Partnerships are partnerships. I don’t get free Bud Light or Budweiser just because the NBA partners with them. I don’t get a free FanDuel pass or DraftKings account because of the NBA’s deals,” Green explained. “Let’s not act like sponsorship partnerships mean players are gambling.”

The league’s relationship with sports betting companies has drawn scrutiny in recent years, especially as wagering becomes increasingly integrated into broadcasts and fan engagement.

However, Green pointed out that his other endorsements — including Nike, Beats by Dre, Subway, and Kia — have never been seen as compromising the integrity of basketball.

His comments underline a growing debate within professional sports: how to balance the business of betting partnerships with the preservation of fair play and public trust.

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