Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones is poised to plead guilty in a sweeping gambling case that resulted in more than 30 arrests, according to court documents. The 49-year-old is expected to change his plea on Tuesday in Brooklyn federal court, becoming the first defendant to admit guilt in the wide-ranging investigation.
Details of the Charges
Jones faces at least one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, with his plea hearings scheduled before Magistrate Judge Joseph Marutollo. He had previously pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Jones remains free on bail pending his court appearance.
Prosecutors allege that Jones cashed in on rigged poker games and provided sports bettors with nonpublic injury information about star players, including his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate LeBron James. The indictment claims Jones sold or attempted to sell details that James and former Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis were injured, affecting their playing time in certain games.
The Poker Scheme
In the poker scheme, Jones is accused of being among former NBA players used to lure unsuspecting individuals into games that were rigged using altered shuffling machines, hidden cameras, special sunglasses, and X-ray equipment built into the table. According to the indictment, Jones was paid $2,500 for a game in the Hamptons, where he was instructed to cheat by paying close attention to others involved. When uncertain, he was told to fold his hand. Prosecutors cited a text from Jones responding, “Y’all know I know what I’m doing!!”
Broader Investigation
The gambling sweep led to the arrests of more than 30 people, including reputed mobsters and other basketball figures. Co-defendants include former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, against whom prosecutors are seeking additional charges, and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups. None of the other defendants have indicated a willingness to plead guilty.
Jones, who earned over $20 million during his 11-season NBA career with 10 teams from 1999 to 2009, played alongside LeBron James in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008. He later served as an unofficial assistant coach for James’ Lakers during the 2022-2023 season. His lawyer, Kenneth Montgomery, declined to comment on the case.
