Tiago Splitter was thrust into the role of the Portland Trail Blazers’ interim head coach after the arrest of Chauncey Billups by the FBI in connection with his alleged involvement in illegal gambling.
Splitter told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that everyone within the Portland Trail Blazers organization was shocked by the news. He admitted that while the circumstances behind his promotion were less than ideal, he is taking the opportunity anyway.
“Honestly, it is a tough moment,” Splitter explained. “I mean, we all had great experience with Chauncey, and we are thinking of him and his family. But we have a job to do, and we have to move forward. I have to be ready. I was ready, I am ready.”
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The Portland Trail Blazers won their first game under Splitter, as they blew out the then-undefeated Golden State Warriors 139-119 on Friday night. Eight players scored in double digits for the hosts, with Deni Avdija leading the way with 26 points, five rebounds, six assists, and four three-pointers on 11-for-18 shooting from the field.
Portland Trail Blazers News: Chauncey Billups releases statement denying illegal gambling allegations
Chauncey Billups’ legal team said that they will fight the charges against their client to clear the Portland Trail Blazers head coach’s name and avoid jail time.
“Anyone who knows Chauncey Billups knows he is a man of integrity; men of integrity do not cheat and defraud others. To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall-of-Fame legacy, his reputation, and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game,” the statement read.
“Furthermore, Chauncey Billups has never and would never gamble on basketball games, provide insider information, or sacrifice the trust of his team and the League, as it would tarnish the game he has devoted his entire life to. Chauncey Billups has never backed down. He does not plan to do so now. He will fight these allegations with the same tenacity that marked his 28-year career. We look forward to our day in court.”
