NEW YORK —

Former NBA players are accused of participating in rigged poker games run by notorious crime families with the intent of stealing from wealthy victims.

Joseph Norcella Jr., interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, described the involvement of two former Boston Celtics players in the poker scheme during a press conference Thursday. He said the victims were often lured by the chance to play alongside former professional athletes.

The victims were known as "fish," and the athletes were known as "face cards," Norcella said.

Athletes involved in the rigged games include Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, who was drafted by the Celtics in 1997, and former Boston Celtics player Damon Jones, Norcella said.

"What the victims, the fish, didn't know

See Full Page