Former Denver Nugget trainer Robert (Chopper) Travaglini...
Former Denver Nugget trainer Robert (Chopper) Travaglini is being investigated by the NBA for a possible association with an organized crime figure, a published report said.
Travaglini, 58, who announced his retirement Thursday after 14 years with the Nuggets, was seen with Paul (Fat Paulie) Villano, the Rocky Mountain News reported in Saturday’s editions.
The newspaper said that Lt. Ed Hansen, commander of the Denver Police Intelligence Section, confirmed that the two were seen at a restaurant near McNichols Arena about three weeks ago. The paper said that Villano, 62, is a member of the Smaldone crime family and has an extensive gambling record.
NBA spokesman Brian McIntyre declined comment.
The newspaper reported that Hansen said Villano is under surveillance and said he is on parole for federal convictions that included loan sharking and possessing an illegal firearms silencer.
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