Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups made his first appearance in federal court Thursday afternoon on a two-count indictment that charges him with participating in a nationwide scheme to rig poker games.

In a packed U.S. District Courtroom in downtown Portland, Billups, wearing a brown sweatshirt, gray sports pants and sneakers, sat between two defense attorneys with a blue folder of the criminal indictment on the desk in front of him.

Attorney Chris Heywood spoke on his behalf and arranged for Billups’ release.

Billups answered, “Yes,” when U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo asked if he understood his right to remain silent.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Barrows said he supported Billups’ release with certain conditions.

Heywood turned over Billups’ passport to the government.

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