Ex-NBA Star Damon Jones to Plead Guilty in Sweeping Gambling Case
In a significant turn of events, former NBA player Damon Jones is poised to become the first to admit guilt in a widespread gambling investigation that has ensnared over 30 individuals, including figures from the basketball world and alleged mob affiliates.
A plea change hearing for Jones is on the docket for April 28 at Brooklyn federal court, as per a recent court submission. Initially set for May 6, the hearing was rescheduled at the request of those involved.
Jones, 49, who had earlier pleaded not guilty, faces charges related to his involvement in manipulated poker games and sharing confidential injury details about NBA stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis with sports gamblers.
The charges against Jones include wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. His attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, had previously mentioned the possibility of plea negotiations during Jones’ arraignment in November.
Jones was arrested last October alongside notable figures like Chauncey Billups, the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat, as well as other individuals, including a bettor using injury insights for profit.
Among the accused, Jones is one of three linked to both the poker and sports betting operations. He currently remains free on bail.
Originally from Galveston, Texas, Jones amassed over $20 million during his 11-year NBA tenure, playing for 10 teams from 1999 to 2009. Notably, he shared the court with James in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008 and later worked unofficially with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-2023 season.
Prosecutors allege that Jones attempted to sell non-public information on James’ injury status prior to a February 9, 2023, game against the Milwaukee Bucks, sending a message to an unnamed associate: “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out.” Despite not being listed on the injury report, James was later ruled out due to a lower body injury, leading to a Lakers’ loss.
In another incident, prosecutors claim that on January 15, 2024, sports bettor Marves Fairley paid Jones $2,500 for a tip about Davis’ limited playtime due to injury, prompting Fairley to wager $100,000 on the Thunder. However, the tip proved incorrect as Davis played full minutes, leading Fairley to demand a refund of the fee.
As per the poker scheme indictment, Jones was among former players used to attract participants to rigged games utilizing modified shuffling devices and hidden technology. At one game in the Hamptons, Jones was allegedly paid to cheat, with instructions to mimic the strategy of top NBA players like LeBron James and Steph Curry.
The poker operation purportedly had ties with New York crime families, who shared proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonnano families. These groups allegedly used violence to ensure debt repayment and the operation’s success, according to court documents.
Known for his sharpshooting skills, Jones once declared himself “the best shooter in the world” in an interview with insidehoops.com. He played every regular season game from 2003 to 2006, and later contributed as a “shooting consultant” and assistant coach for the Cavaliers’ 2016 championship team led by James.
