NBA Implements New Injury Reporting Rules Amid Concerns

The NBA is tightening its rules on injury reporting and prop bets, responding to recent concerns about gambling and the integrity of the game. According to ESPN, a memo sent to teams outlines that starting on game days, teams must submit injury reports between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. local time, updating public injury reports every 15 minutes.

This new protocol aims to reduce the value of inside information that could benefit bettors. The league's decision follows the federal indictments of several individuals, including veteran guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, who were involved in gambling-related charges.

Rozier is accused of providing nonpublic information about injuries to bettors, which led to successful wagers. In addition to injury reporting, the NBA is also considering measures to address tanking, including changes to draft pick protections and lottery rules.

The league is advocating for more control over the types of prop bets available, aiming to limit wagers that could lead to manipulation of player performances. Further educational initiatives about betting rules and protections against harassment for players and coaches from bettors are also planned according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Overall, these changes reflect the league's commitment to enhancing transparency and integrity amid rising concerns about the intersection of sports and gambling.