How the Bulls were inadvertently caught up in NBA gambling controversy
It appears that nobody is left unscathed in the NBA gambling scandal, which has prompted an official FBI investigation. That includes the Chicago Bulls, although not for the reasons that most would assume.
It turns out the Bulls were victimized by alleged improprieties during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 24, 2023, per Elias Schuster of Bleacher Nation. According to the indictment, Co-Conspirator No. 8 told sports bettor Eric Earnest that, against the Bulls, the Trail Blazers would tank the game. All in an effort to snatch up a top draft pick.
At the time, the Trail Blazers were out of contention for the players. They had a record of 32-40 with only ten games left in the season. In the end, the Bulls defeated the Trail Blazers 124-96.
Also, Chauncey Billups was the head coach for the Trail Blazers. He, along with Terry Rozier, is among those who were arrested on charges of illegal gambling activities. Part of that included relaying player health information to bettors so they could place bets on the opposing team and increase their chances.
No Bulls players have been implicated in the scandal. On Saturday, they will play their first road game of the season against the Orlando Magic.
How the Bulls have responded to the scandal
So far, the only Bulls personnel to speak up about the investigation are Nikola Vucevic and head coach Billy Donovan.
Specifically, Vucevic addresses the problem gambling poses to the integrity of sports. Additionally, raising concerns about fans wanting their favorite teams to do well for their bottom line. A contrast from traditional sports fandom of hoping the team wins regardless.
Meanwhile, Donovan openly said ”I was really surprised and saddened by all of it” He also stated that he had a close relationship with Billups.
Plus, Donovan said that the NBA is “very adamant about this stuff” when it comes to education around gambling.
Los Angeles Rams overhaul secondary, prepare for one last Super Bowl push with Matthew Stafford in latest 7-round 2026 mock draft
The Los Angeles Rams are enjoying a bye week this week after a dominant victory over the
However, like every team, the team has holes they'll need to fill. With the 2026 NFL Draft getting closer and closer, the bye week provides a perfect window to explore the needs this team has to address moving forward.
Thanks to a trade last year, the Rams have plenty of draft capital to play with in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, making it one that every Rams fan should be excited about.
Los Angeles Rams 7-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 15 (via ATL): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
To no one's surprise, cornerback is the first position taken here. This could be different if the Rams decide to make a move at the trade deadline, but it would take a massive move to change the trajectory of this room.
Jermod McCoy is a smooth, athletic ballhawk and still projects as one of the top cover corners in the draft, even after missing most of the season due to injury.
Round 1, Pick 23: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Rams need to find a solution long term to right tackle, as Rob Havenstein is on the verge of retirement and their depth is poor at best. I am a huge fan of Caleb Lomu's movement skills and pass protection ability, something the Rams desperately need to improve in the long term if they want to stay atop the NFC.
Round 2, Pick 54: Kamari Ramsey, SAF, USC
We'll see if Quentin Lake and/or Kamren Curl get extended, but Les Snead has never once extended a safety as general manager of the Rams. That leaves a fairly stark void in the secondary that needs to be filled ASAP by a promising rookie (and not another UDFA, I'm begging).
Kamari Ramsey is a smart, physical safety who has made plays all over for the Trojans' defense and would be a seamless replacement (and perhaps upgrade) over Kamren Curl.
#USC
S Kamari Ramsey (6-0, 205) is one of the more well-rounded 2026 prospects that I’ve watched. Wears every hat in the secondary. Easy mover, range as a FS, brings it in run support, extremely smart with route recognition and attacks the ball.pic.twitter.com/tgcClyONIS — Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) August 15, 2025
Round 3, Pick 88: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Four picks, three defensive backs. Can you tell what position group the Rams need to fix the most?
I love Chris Johnson's game, and he is likely the best G5 prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. He's allowing just forty percent of his passes to be completed, shining with his terrific twitch and change of direction ability to stick with receivers in man coverage. He can line up in the slot or outside, giving the Rams two terrific playmakers at cornerback.
Round 5, Pick 143 (via TEN): Aaron Anderson, WR, LSU
The Rams don't need to invest an early pick at receiver, given the presence of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but they still need to fill out this room.
Aaron Anderson might be a "slot only" receiver at the next level, but he's a strong playmaker out of the slot, generating separation and making plays after the catch.
Round 5, Pick 162: Armaj Reed-Adams, OG, Texas A&M
After being snakebitten with poor depth along the interior of the offensive line, it's finally time the Rams put a draft pick here to add talent.
Round 6, Pick 191 (via HOU): Kendal Daniels, LB, Oklahoma
Should the Rams invest an earlier draft pick at linebacker? Yes. Will they? I'm not convinced. Kendal Daniels is the kind of high character, hard-hitting run defender mold they tend to target.
Round 6, Pick 205: Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas
If the Rams don't take an early swing at quarterback, I think they'll probably punt entirely on it in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, Sean McVay wants a dual threat he can be creative with, and Taylen Green is much more dynamic than any other option left on the board here.
Taylen Green ➡️ O'Mega Blake 7 yard TD before halftime! #Arkansas pic.twitter.com/FhcvjAjNMu
— Follow: @fsh733 (@fsh733) October 18, 2025
Round 7, Pick 220 (via BAL): Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston
I'm hoping that Terrance Ferguson locks up the starting tight end job moving forward, but with Tyler Higbee likely playing his last year with the Rams and Colby Parkinson a likely cap casualty, the Rams need to replenish the talent at tight end.
