NBA suspends Billups and Rozier: ‘We take allegations seriously’

Milan, 23 October (LaPresse) – Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier have been suspended from their teams, according to the NBA, which said it is cooperating with authorities in a major investigation into betting and links to organised crime. ‘We take these allegations very seriously and the integrity of our game remains our top priority,’ the NBA said in a statement. The National Basketball Players Association said it will do everything possible to protect the league’s players, including Rozier. ‘The integrity of the game is paramount to NBA players, but so is the presumption of innocence, and both are undermined when a player’s popularity is abused to attract attention,’ the union said. ‘We will ensure that our members are protected and that they are guaranteed the rights of due process during this proceeding,’ it said in a statement.