Former NBA Player Damon Jones to Enter Guilty Plea in Major Gambling Investigation
A significant development has emerged in a widespread gambling scandal that has rocked the basketball world. Damon Jones, a former NBA player and assistant coach, is anticipated to become the first individual to enter a guilty plea in this extensive federal investigation. The probe has already resulted in the arrests of over thirty people, including alleged organised crime figures and other individuals with connections to professional basketball.
Plea Hearing Scheduled for April 28 in Brooklyn
A change-of-plea hearing for Jones is now scheduled for April 28 in Brooklyn federal court, according to recent court filings. This hearing was originally set for May 6 but was moved forward at the request of the parties involved. Jones, who is 49 years old, had previously pleaded not guilty to separate indictments. He faces serious charges including wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy across two distinct cases.
The charges allege that Jones profited from manipulated poker games and supplied sports bettors with confidential, non-public information regarding injuries to superstar players LeBron James and Anthony Davis. A message seeking comment was left for his lawyer, Kenneth Montgomery. Montgomery had previously indicated to a judge during Jones's arraignments in November that they "may be engaging in plea negotiations." Jones remains free on bail at this time.
Insider Information on LeBron James and Anthony Davis
Prosecutors detail specific instances where Jones allegedly sold or attempted to sell insider information. In one case, he reportedly texted a co-conspirator about LeBron James's injury before a February 2023 game against the Milwaukee Bucks, advising to "Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out." James was not listed on the injury report at that time but was later ruled out of the game.
In another instance from January 2024, prosecutors state that sports bettor Marves Fairley paid Jones approximately $2,500 for a tip that Anthony Davis would have limited playing time due to an injury. Fairley allegedly placed a $100,000 bet on the opposing team based on this information. The tip proved incorrect, as Davis played his usual minutes and performed well, leading Fairley to demand a refund of his fee.
Rigged Poker Games and Organised Crime Links
Beyond sports betting, Jones is implicated in a sophisticated poker scheme. Prosecutors allege he was among former NBA players used to lure unsuspecting players into rigged poker games. These games employed altered shuffling machines, hidden cameras, special sunglasses, and even X-ray equipment built into the tables to cheat participants.
According to the indictment, Jones was paid $2,500 for a game in the Hamptons where he was instructed to cheat by closely watching other conspirators, who were likened to LeBron James and Steph Curry. When uncertain, he was told to fold his hand. Jones reportedly responded via text with confidence: "y'all know I know what I'm doing!!"
This poker operation is said to have connections to New York crime families, including the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonnano families, who required a share of the proceeds. Court documents indicate that members of these families also committed violent acts such as assault, extortion, and robbery to ensure debt repayment and the operation's success.
Jones's NBA Career and Post-Playing Roles
A native of Galveston, Texas, Damon Jones enjoyed an 11-season NBA career from 1999 to 2009, playing for ten different teams and earning over $20 million. Known for his three-point shooting, he once proclaimed himself "the best shooter in the world" in an interview. He was a teammate of LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008.
After retiring as a player, Jones worked as a shooting consultant for the Cavaliers and served as an assistant coach when the team, led by James, won the NBA championship in 2016. He also had a stint as an unofficial assistant coach for James's Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-2023 season.
Jones was arrested last October alongside other notable figures, including Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, as part of this sweeping investigation. He was one of only three individuals charged in both the poker and sports betting schemes. The upcoming plea hearing marks a pivotal moment in a case that exposes deep ties between gambling, insider information, and organised crime within the sphere of professional sports.
