Gambling Scandal in NBA: Damon Jones to Plead Guilty
In a significant development in a broad gambling investigation, former NBA player Damon Jones is anticipated to be the first to enter a guilty plea. This case, involving over 30 arrests, also includes reputed mobsters and notable figures from the basketball world.
Jones, who has worked as both an NBA player and assistant coach, is set to attend a change-of-plea hearing on April 28 in Brooklyn federal court. This date was rescheduled from May 6 at the request of the involved parties.
Initially pleading not guilty, Jones faces charges involving rigged poker games and supplying sports gamblers with confidential injury information about LeBron James and Anthony Davis. These charges include wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.
Jones’ lawyer, Kenneth Montgomery, hinted at possible plea negotiations during Jones’ arraignments last November. A request for comment from Montgomery remains unanswered.
In October, Jones was among several individuals arrested, including Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. A sports bettor involved in leveraging injury information was also apprehended.
Jones, a Texas native who played for ten teams over eleven seasons, reportedly earned over $20 million during his career. Notably, he played alongside James in Cleveland and assisted the Los Angeles Lakers unofficially during the 2022-2023 season.
Prosecutors allege Jones sold insider information about James missing a February 9, 2023 game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to injury. Jones reportedly advised a co-conspirator to bet on Milwaukee based on this information. The Lakers lost the game, with James later declared out due to an injury.
In a similar scenario on January 15, 2024, Jones allegedly received $2,500 from sports bettor Marves Fairley for a tip on Anthony Davis’ limited playing time against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The tip was incorrect, as Davis played normally, prompting Fairley to demand a refund.
The poker scheme, according to prosecutors, involved Jones and other ex-players in rigged games using sophisticated cheating devices. It was linked to New York crime families that shared profits with the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonnano families, who engaged in violence to uphold the operation.
Jones was allegedly paid for participating in a rigged game in the Hamptons and instructed to watch certain individuals, likened to James and Steph Curry, during the game. He was advised to fold when uncertain.
Jones, known for his shooting skills, once declared himself “the best shooter in the world” in an interview. Post his NBA career, he served as a shooting consultant and assistant coach, contributing to the Cavaliers’ 2016 championship win.
