Haynes: Billups involvement in gambling shocked the entire Trail Blazers, and the general manager strictly prohibited contact with him.

October 26th Trail Blazers head coach Billups, Heat guard Rozier and former NBA player& coach Damon Jones were indicted in two extensive federal investigations this week. Billups and Rozier were ordered by the NBA to leave their teams immediately.

Famous reporter Chris Haynes reported more details. Haynes reported that Cronin called all the players and coaches together yesterday morning local time and told them about the news of Billups' arrest. Everyone was silent and shocked. No one raised questions, and the atmosphere was very quiet. Cronin later stated that no one should attempt to contact Billups during the investigation.

In addition, Haynes said that the Trail Blazers initially wanted another assistant coach, Nate Bjorkgren, to serve as the interim coach, but the latter had a good relationship with Billups and he rejected the position. In the end, Split served as the interim coach, and Split said that he was only temporarily responsible for the team's coaching duties and that he would keep the team running well until the team coach returns.