Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a gambling sweep that led to the arrests of more than 30 people, including reputed mobsters and other basketball figures. The 49-year-old entered his plea on Tuesday in Brooklyn federal court, becoming the first defendant to do so.
Jones admitted to using insider information about NBA injuries, obtained through his relationships as a former player, to defraud sports betting companies. The conspiracy ran from December 2022 to March 2024. Prosecutors say he sold or attempted to sell non-public information that LeBron James and former Lakers forward Anthony Davis were injured and would not play or would have limited playing time.
Jones is due to be sentenced on 6 January 2027, facing up to 27 months in prison under sentencing guidelines. He also agreed to forfeit $35,000. As part of his bail conditions, he cannot gamble or associate with organised crime figures, and must obtain court approval for bank transfers over $10,000.
Jones is also charged separately with profiting from rigged poker games, where prosecutors say former NBA players were used to lure gamblers. He is expected to plead guilty in that case later on Tuesday. Other defendants, including former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, have not yet pleaded guilty.
