Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a gambling case that also involves alleged mobsters and other basketball figures. The 49-year-old entered his plea on Tuesday in Brooklyn federal court, admitting to using insider information to defraud sports betting companies.
Jones acknowledged that he conspired with others from December 2022 to March 2024, leveraging non-public information about injuries to NBA stars to place bets. He specifically mentioned using insider knowledge about LeBron James and former Lakers forward Anthony Davis. Jones apologised to the court, his family, peers, and the NBA, stating that his actions violated the league's code of conduct and sports betting websites' terms of service.
Jones faces sentencing on 6 January 2027, with guidelines recommending up to 27 months in prison. He has agreed to forfeit $35,000 and is prohibited from gambling or associating with organised crime figures as part of his bail conditions. He also requires court approval for bank transfers over $10,000 unless for legal fees.
In a separate case, Jones is accused of profiting from rigged poker games, where he was allegedly paid $2,500 to participate in a game using altered shuffling machines, hidden cameras, and special glasses. He is expected to plead guilty in that matter as well. Other defendants, including former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, have not yet pleaded guilty.
