🎰 Gambling Scandal Shakes NBA

Spurs honor legendary coach, NHL suspends coach, World Series ticket price comparison, and team receives fine for violating concussion protocol

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Sportie Newsletter
October 27, 2025

🏀 Basketball

Inside the federal gambling case that ensnared NBA stars and mobsters

A sweeping federal investigation has charged over 30 individuals, including NBA coach Chauncey Billups and player Terry Rozier, in connection with two complex gambling and fraud schemes allegedly supported by major Mafia families.

The first case, dubbed "Operation Royal Flush," centered on a plot to rig high-stakes poker games across the country, netting the criminals over $7 million. Indictments allege the scheme used sophisticated cheating technology—including hidden camera chip trays and X-ray tables—and was buttressed by four of the five New York Mafia families, with Billups accused of acting as a high-profile "Face Card" to lure victims.

The second case, "Operation Nothing But Bet," targeted an insider sports betting ring that profited by using confidential NBA information. Rozier was charged in this case, based on evidence that he allegedly conspired to remove himself early from a game due to a manufactured "injury," allowing bettors to cash in on non-public information. In response to the federal takedown, the NBA immediately placed both Billups and Rozier on "immediate leave," stating that it is cooperating with authorities and prioritizing the integrity of the game, which the FBI described as a massive "criminal enterprise" involving "tens of millions of dollars."

Spurs honor longtime coach Gregg Popovich with banner

On Sunday, the Spurs finally played their first home game of the 2025-26 NBA season after a few away games to kick off the year.

When the team's game against the Nets tipped off on Sunday, it marked the first home opener without Gregg Popovich on the sideline in 29 years. Popovich stepped down from the head coaching position he held for 29 years in San Antonio this offseason due to health issues. He remains the president of basketball operations for the franchise and missed most of last year but Sunday really marked the dawn of a new era with no Popovich on the bench.

The Spurs hung a banner with Popovich's name on it and the number of wins he recorded on the sideline in San Antonio—1,390.

🏒 Hockey

Capitals Fire Mitch Love, NHL Suspends Coach Over Allegations

The Washington Capitals immediately terminated assistant coach Mitch Love on Sunday following the conclusion of a months-long investigation into past personal conduct. The NHL also suspended Love for one year.

Love interviewed for several head coaching positions, including with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and was considered a favorite, but as time passed, Love wasn’t hired.

The Capitals placed Love on leave Sept. 14 pending the results of the now-completed investigation.

Rangers Make Unfortunate History in Record-Breaking Home Goal Drought

The New York Rangers have opened the 2025-26 season mired in a frustrating home goal drought.

Through three games at Madison Square Garden, the Blueshirts have yet to score a goal in front of home fans.

A whopping 180 minutes have gone by without the Rangers netting a home ice lamp-lighter. This is the first time in NHL history that a team has opened its first three home games without scoring.

⚾️ Baseball

Orioles to hire Craig Albernaz as manager

The Baltimore Orioles have found their new manager.

Baltimore is finalizing a contract with Cleveland Guardians associate manager Craig Albernaz, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN.

The 42-year-old began coaching in 2015 in the minor leagues. He was the bullpen and catching coach for the San Francisco Giants from 2020-2023, before serving as the Guardians bench coach, and then associate manager over the past two seasons.

🏈 Football

Justin Fields Opens Up On Difficult Week After Leading First Jets Win All Season

Justin Fields had a very difficult week leading up to the game. It started last Sunday when Aaron Glenn made the decision to pull him out of the game New York Jets game against the Carolina Panthers.

To make matters worse, Jets owner Woody Johnson was not shy in bashing the quarterback for being a big reason that the team entered Sunday as the only winless team in the NFL.

However, Fields showed incredible toughness and resolve, as he led the Jets to a stunning 39-38 come from behind victory against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

After the game, Fields shared the raw emotions of how tough this past week was.

NFL fines Giants $200K for violating concussion protocol

The NFL fined the New York Giants $200,000 for violating concussion protocol during their Week 6 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, the league announced Friday.

Separately, Giants coach Brian Daboll was fined $100,000 and running back Cam Skattebo was also fined $15,000 for conduct detrimental to the league stemming from their actions during the Eagles game.

The penalties come after the NFL and NFL Players Association conducted a joint review of the application of the protocol involving Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in the Thursday night contest.