Shaquille O’Neal didn’t hold back when addressing the widening NBA gambling scandal that has shaken the league. On air, the Hall of Famer said he felt “disgusted and embarrassed” by accusations against Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier. Both faced federal charges for allegedly feeding inside information to bettors and joining an organized underground poker ring.
O’Neal said he couldn’t understand why players who already make millions would risk everything for quick money. “You’ve got fame, family, and fortune — why gamble with your name?” he asked, adding that greed, not need, drives such choices.
“I’m ashamed that those guys would put their families and their careers in jeopardy.”@SHAQ reacts to the arrest of Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and Damon Jones in a sports gambling investigation. pic.twitter.com/J8XtbpMqKI
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 23, 2025
O’Neal urged athletes to learn from this moment instead of chasing “dirty money”, and added, “All money ain’t good money.”
Federal prosecutors charged over 30 people in connection with the scheme, alleging that some participants fixed poker games and shared confidential team details for betting advantages. The arrests arrived just as the NBA prepared for its new season — turning what was meant to be a moment of optimism into crisis management.
The league now faces growing pressure from fans, sponsors, and Congress to prove that integrity still matters more than money in professional basketball.
