qq. BREAKING: Chiefs veteran long snapper reportedly linked to an FBI gambling investigation that also involves NBA star LeBron James.
Kansas City, Missouri – October 25, 2025 By Johnathan Hale, Sports Reporter – ESPN
In an unexpected development shaking the American sports world, a Kansas City Chiefs player has been linked to the FBI’s major investigation into a rigged gambling network, which initially focused on the NBA but now appears to be expanding.
James Winchester, the 36-year-old long snapper for the Chiefs, is reportedly among the 34 individuals arrested in connection with the case. The close friendship between Winchester and NBA superstar LeBron James is at the center of attention, with allegations that Winchester provided insider information about James’s health status to facilitate illegal betting activities.
The FBI investigation, announced on October 23, 2025, initially targeted a large gambling network involving the NBA, including prop bets (wagers on individual player performance).
According to court documents, the network has ties to organized crime, with a total of 34 arrests, including several former and current NBA players such as Damon Jones, Chauncey Billups, and Terry Rozier.
Damon Jones, a close friend of LeBron James from their time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, is accused of receiving $2,500 to disclose information about James’s injury during a Los Angeles Lakers game in the 2023-2024 season.
This information was used for large bets, although LeBron ultimately played, resulting in losses for the betting group.
Now, sources from law enforcement indicate that James Winchester – known for his close friendship with LeBron James through charity events and social media – faces similar accusations.
Winchester, who joined the Chiefs in 2015 and contributed to three recent Super Bowl victories, is suspected of sharing insider details about James’s schedule and condition with a betting group linked to the NBA network.
However, like James’s case, the NBA superstar is not directly accused and is considered an indirect victim of the matter.
The case is not limited to the NBA but extends to other illegal gambling activities, including poker, and may spread to the NFL. The NBA has expressed shock and committed to full cooperation with the FBI, while the NFL has not yet issued an official comment.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has harshly criticized those involved, stating that they risked their careers and families for insignificant sums of money.
In response from the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Andy Reid defended James Winchester in a brief press conference. “James is a great guy, always giving his all to the team and the community.
We trust him and will support him through this investigation,” Reid said. He also reassured fans: “Rest assured, news will be updated as soon as possible. We’ll clarify everything to focus on the upcoming season.”
Currently, James Winchester has not made any personal comments, and his representatives affirm his innocence. The incident is raising concerns about the integrity of professional American sports, with experts predicting more revelations in the coming weeks.
LeBron James, who is leading the Lakers in the new season, has also not responded publicly, but close sources say he is cooperating with authorities to clarify his role – which is solely that of a victim.
ESPN will continue to monitor and update the latest developments on this scandal, which is threatening the “last pillar” of the sports industry as some conspiracy theories have predicted.
