After the shock and disbelief wore off, after the words arrest and fraud and “Co-Conspirator 8” dissipated, a familiar refrain no doubt flooded the minds of Portland Trail Blazers fans everywhere.

Here we go again.

A franchise that has endured more than its share of bad news in the 21st century was dealt another sobering blow Thursday, when Chauncey Billups was arrested by federal agents for allegedly laundering money and committing wire fraud conspiracy as part of a yearslong poker scheme. The Blazers’ coach, who blossomed into an unwavering and stable presence during the team’s multiyear roster rebuild, has been placed on immediate leave by the NBA.

It’s fair to wonder if he’ll ever coach again.

“We are in the process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today … and w

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