It feels like the talk about the transition from TNT to ESPN for the “Inside The NBA” show happened a hundred years ago. That’s because the NBA, as fans know it, changed radically on Thursday, October 23, 2025 when Chauncey Billips, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones were among 30 arrested for illegal gambling.
With such a shocking and radical situation happening in the NBA, it is comforting for fans to see Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, in a very similar format to their successful TNT days, try to make sense of the unbelievable and tragic situation.
FULL: Inside the NBA react to Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier being arrested pic.twitter.com/1kUl3kP654
— NBAbzy (@nbabzyy) October 23, 2025
As is typical, the hosts had radically different opinions particularly when it comes to Rozier’s gambling improprieties being an addiction (Smith) versus stupid behavior (Barkley).
All four are concerned about the integrity of the league, know the people involved and worry about their legacies and families. Shaq also pointed out that ever since his playing days, practice was cancelled once a year to go over the dos and don’ts that accompanied player conduct when it comes to gambling.
ESPN Made A Noteworthy Change
Though “Inside The NBA” has been preserved, it is worth noting that ESPN during its Get Up! broadcast took the ESPN Bets information off of its bottom ticker.
Unreal scene from ESPN Get Up this AM.
They’re talking the FBI’s arrests for NBA Sports Gambling. Mike Greenberg explains how ESPN used to shun sports gambling…while an ESPN BET promo is on the screen.
The graphics team realizes the disconnect and takes the chyron down lol pic.twitter.com/ICCvyhJHPA
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) October 23, 2025
The fact is that though these people have allegedly been involved in illegal and unethical behaviors, are they solely to blame for the gambling obsession in professional sports?
Practically every sport or game has a prominent FanDuel, DraftKings, or other sportsbook tie, and on-air personalities give betting recommendations upon occasion.
She’s beaten Osaka, Bencic, and Kvitova all in Charleston.
And now, @DankaKovinic is into the semifinal. 🙌She recaps her win with @Steve_Weissman from the @FanDuel desk.#VolvoCarOpen pic.twitter.com/nVAAeL6NC7
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) April 9, 2021
Sports betting is not a new phenomenon, but the obsession with it has grown exponentially in recent years. A few clicks on a phone or internet is all that is required to bet on anything.
🚨 30+ arrests. 11 states. 1 nationwide takedown.
Today the FBI dismantled a multi-million dollar gambling ring tied to La Cosa Nostra, including current & former NBA players and coaches — as well as an inside scheme to rig sports betting outcomes for profit.
Cheating,… pic.twitter.com/dxzDO26NFJ
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) October 23, 2025
Will other sports take a look at what’s happened, specifically in Rozier’s situation, and change some behaviors?
