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Antonio Gates, a member of the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, categorically denied any connection to the sprawling gambling scandal that sent shockwaves through the NBA and the sports world at large.
Denise White, Gates’ business manager, issued a statement denying reports linking the former NFL tight end to alleged Mafia-backed poker games.
“Antonio Gates has not been involved nor has he been accused of any wrongdoing, allegations to the contrary are false and without merit. There will be no further comment on this matter,” White, EAG Sports Management CEO, said in a statement released Monday.
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Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates watches a replay from the sideline at StubHub Center in Carson, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (Scott Varley/Digital First Media/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images)
On Sunday, podcaster and TV host Pablo Torre reported that Gates allegedly “hosted” and also “played in” a fraudulent poker game. The game in question reportedly took place in Miami. Furthermore, Torre claimed that Curtis Meeks also “orchestrated” the illicit affair.
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Meeks was among more than 30 people named in unsealed indictments last week. Gates’ name was not listed in the federal documents.
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player Damon Jones were among the notable individuals arrested by federal investigators.
A basketball is placed on the court next to an NBA logo during a break in the first half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Federal investigators accused Rozier of disclosing privileged information about player availability that was allegedly used to influence prop bets. Billups, the 2004 NBA Finals MVP, was associated with the organization and execution of complex illegal poker operations. Jones was also linked to the sophisticated scheme.
Investigators said the illegal operation was highly organized and targeted players under the guise of legitimacy. But the games were structured in a way that prevented fair results.
According to an FBI indictment, the illegal gambling had ties to La Cosa Nostra, the Italian mafia.
Gates spent his entire 16-year NFL career with the Chargers organization.
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) gestures during warmups for the game against Washington on December 10, 2017 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
During that time, he was named to eight Pro Bowls. He is the Chargers front office manager. He finished his outstanding career with 116 receiving touchdowns.
Gates’ path to the NFL was unconventional. He chose to play basketball instead of football in college. He then went undrafted in 2003.
Gates is a member of the Chargers Hall of Fame.
