Retired NFL star Antonio Gates refutes experiences linking him to rigged poker video games

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Antonio Gates, a member of the 2025 Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame class, categorically denied any connection to the sprawling gambling scandal that despatched shockwaves throughout the NBA and the sports activities world at bigger.

Denise White, Gates’ enterprise supervisor, issued a press release dismissing experiences linking the previous NFL tight finish to alleged mafia-backed poker schemes.

"Antonio Gates has not been concerned nor has he been accused of any wrongdoing, assertions on the contrary are false and with out advantage. There will probably be no additional feedback on this matter," White, EAG Sports activities Administration CEO, stated in a press release launched on Monday.

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Los Angeles Chargers tight finish Antonio Gates watches a replay from the sideline at StubHub Heart in Carson on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (Scott Varley/Digital First Media/Torrance Day by day Breeze by way of Getty Pictures)

On Sunday, podcaster and tv host Pablo Torre reported that Gates allegedly "hosted" and in addition "performed in" a fraudulent poker recreation. The sport in query reportedly came about in Miami. Moreover, Torre claimed Curtis Meeks additionally "organized" the unlawful affair.

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Meeks was amongst greater than 30 people named in unsealed indictments final week. Gates' title was not listed within the federal paperwork.

Portland Path Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups , Miami Warmth guard Terry Rozier and former NBA participant Damon Jones had been among the many notable figures arrested by federal investigators.

A basketball is positioned on the court docket subsequent to an NBA brand throughout a break within the first half of a 2023 NBA Summer season League recreation between the Portland Path Blazers and the Houston Rockets on the Thomas & Mack Heart on July 7, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Pictures)

Federal investigators accused Rozier of showing privileged details about participant availability, which was allegedly used to affect prop bets. Billups, the 2004 NBA Finals MVP, was linked to the group and execution of complicated unlawful poker operations. Jones was additionally related to the subtle scheme.

Investigators stated the unlawful operation was extremely organized and focused gamers underneath the guise of legitimacy. Nonetheless, the video games had been structured in a means that prevented honest outcomes.

In response to an FBI indictment, the unlawful playing ring had ties to La Cosa Nostra, the Italian mafia.

Gates spent his whole 16-year NFL profession with the Chargers group.

Los Angeles Chargers tight finish Antonio Gates (85) gestures throughout warmups for the sport towards Washington on Dec. 10, 2017, at StubHub Heart in Carson, California. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Pictures)

Throughout that point, he was named to eight Professional Bowls. He's the Chargers' receptions chief. He completed his standout profession with 116 receiving touchdowns.