Damon Jones, a former NBA participant and assistant coach, is scheduled to look in federal court docket later this month as a part of a wide-ranging playing investigation that has implicated dozens of people. Court filings point out that Jones, 49, has change-of-plea hearings set for April 28 in Brooklyn, the place he’s anticipated to revise his earlier not responsible pleas in a minimum of one of many circumstances in opposition to him.
The proceedings stem from two separate federal indictments accusing Jones of involvement in unlawful sports activities betting and rigged poker operations. Authorities have charged greater than 30 individuals throughout each circumstances, together with skilled athletes and people alleged to have ties to organized crime. Jones is amongst a small group of defendants named in each indictments.
Initially, Jones denied the costs when he entered a not responsible plea in November 2025. The upcoming listening to alerts a shift in his authorized technique, although his legal professional, Kenneth Montgomery, acknowledged, “He is not cooperating.” Federal prosecutors haven’t commented publicly on the case.
Allegations Involving Insider Information and Betting Activity
According to ESPN, prosecutors allege that Jones used entry to nonpublic data to help sports bettors. According to court docket paperwork, one occasion concerned a February 9, 2023, sport between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks. Jones allegedly knowledgeable associates that LeBron James wouldn’t play, regardless of the participant not showing on the official harm report on the time.
In a textual content message cited in the indictment, Jones wrote: “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out.” He additionally urged associates to wager sufficient cash so he may share in any winnings. James finally missed the sport on account of a lower-body harm, and the Lakers misplaced 115-106.
Authorities say bettors used that data to revenue. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. described the alleged conduct, stating, “As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, using private locker room and medical information to enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks,” including, “This was a sophisticated conspiracy involving athletes, coaches, and intermediaries who exploited confidential information for profit.”
A separate allegation entails a January 2024 transaction in which a bettor paid Jones roughly $2,500 for details about Anthony Davis’ anticipated enjoying time. The bettor positioned a $100,000 wager based mostly on the tip, anticipating decreased minutes for Davis. However, Davis performed a full sport, scoring 27 factors and recording 15 rebounds in a Lakers victory. The bettor later sought a refund, although prosecutors say Jones maintained the knowledge had been credible.
Poker Scheme Allegations and Broader Investigation
In addition to the sports activities betting accusations, Jones can also be charged in a separate case involving rigged poker games. Prosecutors declare that he and others helped lure gamers into video games that have been manipulated utilizing specialised tools, together with altered card shuffling gadgets, hid cameras, and tables outfitted with superior know-how.
Jones is described in the indictment as a “face card,” which means a recognizable determine used to draw members to the video games. According to investigators, these poker operations have been related to unlawful playing networks linked to organized crime households, which allegedly acquired a share of the proceeds.
Court paperwork additional allege that members in the scheme relied on ways designed to make sure winnings, together with coordination amongst gamers and directions on when to fold or proceed betting. In one change cited by prosecutors, Jones responded to steering from co-conspirators by texting: “y’all know I know what I’m doing!!”
Authorities additionally declare that people tied to the broader operation engaged in crimes reminiscent of extortion and theft to implement money owed and keep management over the playing actions.
Career Background and Ongoing Proceedings
Jones performed 11 seasons in the NBA from 1999 to 2009, showing for 10 groups and incomes greater than $20 million throughout his profession. He spent a part of his enjoying years alongside LeBron James in Cleveland and later labored in a training capability, together with serving as an unofficial assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers in the course of the 2022-23 season.
Following his enjoying profession, he additionally labored as a taking pictures guide and was a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ teaching employees when the staff gained the NBA championship in 2016.
Despite the costs, Jones stays free on bail because the authorized course of continues. His upcoming court docket look is anticipated to offer additional readability on how he intends to proceed in a minimum of one of many circumstances, whereas the broader investigation involving a number of defendants stays ongoing.
