Blazers' fans respond to 'insane' controversy surrounding head coach Chauncey Billups
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Despite the Blazers defeating Golden State 139-119 on Friday for their first win of the young season, there's been a cloud hanging over Rip City over the last couple of days.
It was the first game for the Blazers since their head coach, Chauncey Billups, was placed on leave by the NBA after his arrest in connection with an illegal gambling operation.
While it was a successful debut for interim head coach Tiago Splitter, the off-court turmoil has rocked the fan base.
"Just seeing a different coach here tonight is kind of crazy," said Blazers fan Jack Lindsay.
"I was just shocked," added fan Kyle Frank.
Other fans said that it feels surreal to be a Blazers fan at the moment.
"This is insane. I’ve been a Blazers fan since I was a kid and I’m almost 60. I’ve never seen anything like this," said fan Shawn Bryant.
The gambling scandal follows years of rebuilding ever since Billups' first year as a coach in 2021.
But for an organization that has seen plenty of lows, fans say one thing won’t change — their loyalty.
"Regardless of what happens to the head coach, we’ve got good players," said fan Sajan Kang.