Notable Black Moments In 2025

Source: Tomas Diniz Santos / Getty

Updated Oct. 23, 2025 12:00 p.m.

A major federal investigation into illegal sports gambling has rocked the NBA, with Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier reportedly arrested as part of two separate FBI operations spanning multiple states and involving millions of dollars.

According to ESPN, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that more than 30 individuals were taken into custody following a years-long probe across 11 states, targeting underground gambling rings and illicit sports betting networks allegedly connected to organized crime.

Terry Rozier was arrested in Orlando, just one day after the Miami Heat faced the Orlando Magic. Though Rozier was present with the team, he did not participate in Wednesday night’s matchup due to what officials described as a “coach’s decision.” Sources say his arrest is tied to an investigation into the sharing of confidential player and team information to illegal betting operations.

In a separate case, Chauncey Billups was arrested in Oregon in connection with what authorities describe as an illegal poker and gambling ring with games rigged and reportedly tied to Mafia affiliates. Billups is expected to make his first court appearance later Thursday.

Former Cleveland Cavaliers player and assistant coach Damon Jones was also among those arrested. According to ABC News, Jones and Rozier are accused of funneling insider information to four associates, who then allegedly distributed the intel to a wider sports betting network to manipulate wagers and profits.

Federal authorities say this is one of the largest coordinated strikes against illegal gambling in U.S. sports history. Officials have not yet commented on potential charges from the NBA or how this could impact the league during the ongoing season. Both the Heat and Trail Blazers have not released official statements at this time.

As the investigation unfolds, the sports world is bracing itself for what could be one of the most high-profile gambling scandals in recent history—raising serious questions about integrity, insider access, and the future of sports betting in the NBA.

From sports to politics to entertainment,  keep scrolling for some of the notable moments of 2025 that we’ll never forget.

READ MORE… The Biggest News Stories Of 2025 Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025 Here Are Some Notable Moments Of Black Culture In 2024

1. Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier Arrested in Massive Illegal Gambling Bust

2. “RHOP” Star Dr. Wendy Osefo and Husband Eddie Hit With Fraud Charges

3. Latto Finally Confirms Long-Rumored Relationship With “Husband” 21 Savage

4. Cardi B claims Nicki Minaj needs 'to get help' amid heated online exchange

5. Saucy Santana Rips JT To Shreds After The City Girl Targets Him In Her Latest Online Tirade

6. Cardi B Apologizes To Latto Following Leaked Audio Mention

7. Music producer Metro Boomin found not liable in sexual assault trial

8. It’s a Girl! Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Introduce Daughter Rocki Irish Mayers

9. Cardi B exclusively opens up about pregnancy, new album and finding stability with Stefon Diggs

10. Arrest made in theft of hard drives with unreleased Beyoncé music

11. Malcolm-Jamal Warner honored by family with foundation

12. Multiple historically Black universities under lockdown after receiving threats

13. Mariah Carey Accepts Video Vanguard Award

14. Young Thug Seemingly Addresses Online Backlash After Jail Calls Leak

15. Carmelo Anthony shares emotion, inspiration in hard-won Hall of Fame moment

16. Young Thug Claims Gunna Owes Him An Explanation As A Man Even If He Doesn’t Want To Hear It

17. Ciara’s son with rapper Future now officially carries Russell Wilson's last name after legal change

18. Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. agree to 2026 exhibition fight

19. Latto, Ice Spice squash rumored feud and drop new song

20. Montell Jordan Announces His Cancer Has Returned and Spread

21. Karen Huger, 'Real Housewives of Potomac' star, released from prison after DUI conviction

22. Buccaneers waiving rookie safety Shilo Sanders, agents say

23. Kobe Bryant Movie in the Works: Warner Bros. Nabs Spec Script About Lakers Star’s Dramatic Draft Day

24. Lil Nas X Pleads Not Guilty After Arrest in Los Angeles

25. 'Power' actor Alix Lapri arrested in Georgia, charged with child cruelty and disorderly conduct

26. JaNa Craig Spotted Cozying Up With Rapper Key Glock in NYC

27. Lil Yachty Faces Backlash Over Controversial George Floyd Lyric

28. Court denies Tory Lanez’s request to submit new evidence in Megan Thee Stallion shooting case

29. Wendy Williams’ Guardianship Is Upheld After New Medical Exam Results

30. Rapper T-Hood’s slaying may have been self-defense as police suspect girlfriend’s brother

31. Sha’Carri Richardson Issues Public Apology to Christian Coleman Following Domestic Violence Arrest

32. Shannon Sharpe Out at ESPN Following Lawsuit Settlement

33. Deion Sanders says he had bladder cancer but will coach Buffaloes this season

34. Destiny's Child reunites for surprise performance during Beyoncé's final show in Las Vegas

35. Atlanta Rapper Cash Out Gets Life For Rape & Trafficking Charges

36. Klay Thompson, Megan Thee Stallion make red carpet debut, confirm relationship

37. Shannon Sharpe, rape accuser settle $50 million lawsuit

38. Southern University expels Omega Psi Phi chapter after February hazing death of Caleb Wilson

39. Atlanta rapper Ca$h Out being sentenced in sex trafficking case

40. Nessa Diab Doubles Down On Smear Campaign Claims Against Jay-Z

41. Nicki Minaj and SZA’s online clash raises eyebrows

42. Unreleased Beyoncé Music Stolen in Atlanta Before Cowboy Carter Tour

43. Trey Songz Under Investigation For Alleged Brutal Attack On Photographer

44. Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell gets engaged to R&B singer Coco Jones

45. Boxing star Gervonta Davis arrested in Miami on battery charge

46. Sky superstar Angel Reese debuts Reebok signature shoe on NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition cover

47. Married to Medicine’s Dr. Heavenly Kimes Launches Run for Georgia State Representative

48. Sarah Jakes and Touré Roberts installed as Potter’s House co-senior pastors

49. Rapper Trippie Redd arrested trying to board flight at MIA

50. Combs found guilty of prostitution charges but not guilty of most serious counts

51. Diddy Jury Deadlocked on Racketeering Charge After Partial Verdict in Sex Trafficking Trial

52. Judge Dismisses Jay-Z’s Extortion, Defamation Lawsuit Against Tony Buzbee

53. Chris Brown’s Lawsuit Over Alleged Nightclub Attack Dismissed by Accuser

54. Jury deliberations begin in Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial

55. NBA’s Dillon Brooks Files Restraining Order Against Ex-Girlfriend, Alleging Harassment, Threats

56. Christian Keyes Snatches His Hit Show “All The Queen’s Men” from BET Over Alleged Lack of Transparency from the Network

57. Beyoncé brings out Miley Cyrus during ‘Cowboy Carter’ stop in Paris

58. Tyler Perry's attorney calls $260 million sexual assault lawsuit a ‘scam'

59. R. Kelly's Lawyers Allege Prison-Related Overdose and Denied Medical Care

60. Jackie Christie Gets into Altercation with Daughter

61. Bryshere Gray (‘Empire’) Charged with Assault After Hotel Altercation

62. 'RHOA' Star Porsha Williams Wins Prenup Battle With Ex Simon Guobadia

63. Lithonia rapper Silentó pleads guilty, sentenced to 30 years in prison for cousin’s shooting death

64. Mariah Carey Honored With Ultimate Icon Award at 2025 BET Awards — Her First BET Award Ever

65. Kirk Franklin Accepts the Ultimate Icon Award

66. Jamie Foxx breaks down in emotional BET Awards 2025 speech two years after stroke

67. 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Brit Eady sues Bravo over explicit photo

68. Khaby Lame Was Detained by ICE, Agency Confirms

69. Halle Berry's Boyfriend Van Hunt Proposed—But She Hasn't Responded Yet

70. Diddy paid $100K for video of hotel beating, security guard testifies

71. The Real Housewives of Atlanta Dwight Eubanks Reveals Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

72. Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, graduates high school

73. Megan Thee Stallion Announces New Anime Series, Teams with ‘The Boondocks’ Producer

74. Zion Williamson sued over allegations of rape, years of abuse

75. Janet Jackson accepts ICON Award and performs at the 2025 AMAs

76. Lauren and Cameron Hamilton announced they are expecting their first baby together

77. Love is Blind stars AD & Ollie announce pregnancy

78. Kai Cenat kicks off Streamer University

79. Skilla Baby shot in Detroit.

80. Tory Lanez transferred to another prison after being stabbed

81. Chris Brown granted bail by the U.K. courts

82. Skai Jackson Granted Restraining Order Against Alleged Abusive Ex

83. Megan Thee Stallion claps back at Tory Lanez & his fans

84. Jamal Roberts wins American Idol

85. Jury Finalized for Diddy’s Federal Criminal Trial in NYC, Opening Statements Set

86. Trump abruptly fires librarian of congress

87. Newark Mayor Detained By ICE

88. Bishop T.D. Jakes Announces Leadership Transition at The Potter’s House

89. Shilo Sanders signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent

90. Shedeur Sanders selected by the Cleveland Browns In The NFL Daft

91. Tina Knowles Reveals Breast Cancer Battle

92. Shannon Sharpe Accused of Rape in $50 Million Lawsuit

93. Brian Steel joins Diddy's defense team

94. Gayle Kings makes her way to space

95. Vybz Kartel shuts the Barclays center down

96. Michelle Obama addresses divorce rumors

97. Soulja Boy to pay over $4 million in damages for sexual assault and battery case

98. Warner Bros To Revamp 1992 Blockbuster hit 'The Bodyguard'

99. Detroit Rapper Sada Baby Arrested on Drug Warrant

100. Lebron James becomes first male athlete with own Ken Doll

101. Nicki Minaj named Billboard's best female rapper of all time

102. Juju Watkins named AP women's college basketball player of the year

103. Tamar Braxton Claps back at Jessie Woo

104. Sean Kingston And his mother, Janice Turner, found guilty on all five charges in wire fraud trial

105. Deion Sanders signs a 5-year, $54 million contract extension

106. Judge Dismisses Lil Rod's Lawsuit Against Diddy

107. Juju Watkins Suffers Torn ACL

108. Are Sherri & Nia Long Beefing?

109. Sauce Walka Shot In Downtown Memphis

110. Yella Beezy Arrested For Capital Murder

111. Lil Durk Hints At Marriage To India Royale In New Single

112. Boosie Announces Scholarship To Honor Caleb Wilson

113. Fivio Foreign Has Been Jailed Since January

114. Jonathan Majors seemingly admits to strangling his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari

115. UMG Files To Dismiss Drake's Lawsuit

116. DK Metcalf announces engagement to Normani

117. DC bids farewell to Black Lives Matter Plaza

118. Wendy Williams Passes Capacity Exam

119. Wendy Williams taken by ambulance after dropping desperate note from NYC window begging for help

120. Doechii Named Billboard's Woman Of The Year

121. Odell Beckham Jr. Named In Diddy Lawsuit

122. Druski Named In Diddy Lawsuit

123. DDG Calls Halle Bailey Out Alleging He Hasn't Seen Baby Halo In A Month

124. Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai Seemingly Confirm They Have a Baby Together

125. Amber Rose Addresses Joseline Incident On College Hill

126. Queen Latifah Performs During Quincy Jones Tribute At The Oscars

127. Oprah & Whoopi Goldberg Pay Tribute To Quincy Jones At The Oscars

128. Doja Cat Performs Diamonds Are Forever During James Bond Tribute At The Oscars

129. Paul Tazewell Becomes The First Black Man To Win Best Costume Design At The Oscars

130. Gervonta Davis & Lamont Roach's Fight Ends In Equal Draw

131. Paige Hurd & Rocye O'Neal Announce Engagement

132. RHOP Star Karen Huger Sentenced To Two Years In Prison With One Suspended

133. The Wayans Family Accepts Hall of Fame NAACP Image Award

134. Kamala Harris Delivers Powerful Speech At NAACP Awards

135. Simon Guobadia Gets Detained By ICE

136. Cassie Announces She's Expecting Baby #3 With Husband

137. Diddy Loses A Lawyer Ahead Of His Trial

138. Kodak Black, Tiger Woods & More Attend Black History Month Event At White House

139. Winnie Harlow & Kyle Kuzma Announce Engagement

140. Kendrick Lamar Makes Hip-Hop History With Three of the Top 10 Albums on the Billboard 200

141. Kevin Hart Shows Up & Shows Out As the first on court-emcee for the NBA Allstar Game

142. JAY-Z Rape Lawsuit Dismissed, Sues Tony Buzbee For Defamation

143. Kanye West & Bianca Censori Reportedly Headed Towards Divorce

144. Real Housewives of Potomac Star Ashley Darby Finalizes Divorce

145. The Philadelphia Eagles Dominate The Kansas City Chiefs & Win The Super Bowl

146. Samuel L. Jackson Joins Kendrick For His Halftime Performance

147. Kendrick Lamar & SZA Perform At Super Bowl LIX Halftime

148. Jon Batiste Sings The National Anthem At Super Bowl LIX

149. Ledisi Sings Lift Every Voice & Sing At Super Bowl LIX

150. Randy Moss' Emotional Return to NFL Countdown

151. No More BMF? 50 Cent Beefs With Lil Meech & Big Meech

152. Beyonce drops dates for highly anticipated COWBOY CARTER tour

153. Beyonce wins her first ever Album Of The Year for COWBOY Carter at the GRAMMYs

154. Beyonce becomes the first black woman to win in the 'country' category at the GRAMMYs in 50 years

155. Alicia Keys wins Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the GRAMMYs

156. Kendrick Lamar Wins 5 GRAMMYs for 'Not Like Us' and becomes the most awarded rap song in GRAMMYs history

157. Doechii Becomes the third woman to win Best Rap Album at the GRAMMYs

158. Beyonce Announces COWBOY CARTER Tour

159. WNBA Star A'ja Wilson Gets Jersey Retired At University of South Carolina

160. YFN Lucci Is Released From Prison

161. Angel Reese Pays Off Her Mama's Mortgage

162. The Philadelphia Eagles & The Kansas City Chiefs Will Meet Again At Super Bowl LIX

163. Skai Jackson Announces Arrival Of Her First Child

164. NFL Announces That SZA Will Join Kendrick Lamar During His Super Bowl Halftime Performance

165. Nelly Performs At Trump's Inaugural Ball

166. Snoop Dogg & Rick Ross Perform At Crypto Ball Despite Backlash

167. Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban

168. Wendy Williams Speaks Out About Guardianship

169. Busta Rhymes Turns Himself In For Allegedly Assaulting Assistant

170. Beyonce Postpones Highly Anticipated Announcement

171. Zendaya & Tom Holland Announce Engagement

172. Chicago Bulls Announce They Will Retire Derrick Rose's #1

173. Nicki Minaj Allegedly Hit With Assault & Battery Lawsuit

174. Shannon Sharpe Hints At Another Katt Williams Interview 👀

175. Simone Biles Revealed As Sports Illustrated's 2024 Sportsperson of the Year

176. De'arra Taylor Sues Ex Ken Walker

177. Coi Leray Announces Pregnancy With Trippie Red

178. Dreamdoll Announces Pregnancy

179. Bryce James Commits To The University of Arizona