Golden State Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have spoken out following the shocking revelation of an FBI investigation into illegal NBA gambling activity, insisting they remain confident in the integrity of professional basketball despite the allegations.

The scandal, which has rocked the NBA world, involves high-profile names including Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, both of whom were arrested in connection with the probe. Federal prosecutors allege that dozens of individuals — including current and former NBA figures — were involved in a sophisticated illegal betting and mafia-linked poker operation that may have influenced several games.

Curry: “The integrity of the game is fine”

Speaking after Warriors practice, Stephen Curry, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, said he was confident the league would maintain its credibility despite growing concerns over the influence of sports betting.

“I think on the whole, everybody’s very mindful of what to do and what not to do,” Curry told reporters. “This is new territory for everyone in sports right now, but I wouldn’t worry about the integrity of the game. It’s fine. We just have to let the situation play out.”

Curry emphasized that NBA players and staff are well-aware of the league’s strict gambling policies and that the majority act responsibly despite the growing accessibility of legal sports betting in the United States.

Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), sports betting has become legal in most U.S. states — creating both new revenue streams and new risks for professional leagues.

Green: “I was shocked”

Four-time NBA champion Draymond Green echoed Curry’s sentiments but admitted to being stunned by the scale of the allegations.

“I was shocked,” Green said. “It’s a tough moment for the league and for the individuals involved. But partnering with gambling companies didn’t cause this — access to gambling is what it is. Players know the rules.”

Green dismissed the notion that the NBA’s partnerships with betting platforms directly led to corruption, insisting that personal responsibility remains key.

Details of the FBI’s investigation

The FBI’s illegal gambling investigation has identified at least seven NBA games between February 2023 and March 2024 that may have been compromised. Prosecutors allege that players and associates placed bets, leaked insider information, and even faked injuries to influence betting outcomes.

Terry Rozier, 31, is accused of leaking injury information and manipulating betting markets while playing for the Charlotte Hornets in 2023. He has denied all allegations.
Chauncey Billups, the Trail Blazers head coach and 2021 Hall of Fame inductee, is being investigated in a separate case involving high-stakes poker games linked to organized crime. Charges across both cases include wire fraud, extortion, and illegal gambling.

Both Rozier and Billups appeared in court Thursday and were placed on immediate administrative leave by the NBA. Their respective teams — the Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers — are preparing to continue their schedules without them.

NBA commissioner responds

Earlier this week, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called for stronger national regulations on sports betting, warning that the integrity of professional basketball must be protected.

Under Article 35 of the NBA Constitution, Silver has the authority to impose lifetime bans on any player, coach, or staff member found guilty of influencing games or placing bets on NBA outcomes.

“We take integrity issues extremely seriously,” Silver said. “The league’s credibility is our foundation, and we will cooperate fully with federal investigators.”

A growing challenge for U.S. sports

The investigation has reignited debate about the impact of legalized gambling on major sports leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB. While partnerships with betting companies have generated billions in revenue, critics warn that the close association increases the temptation for misconduct.

Curry and Green’s measured responses highlight the growing awareness among athletes of the thin line between acceptable fan engagement and prohibited activity. Both players stressed that the majority of professionals respect the rules and remain committed to fair play.

“The fans come to see the real competition,” Curry concluded. “As players, we owe it to the game to keep it honest.”