Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones has pleaded not guilty to federal charges tied to a sweeping gambling scandal involving rigged poker games and the leaking of confidential information related to NBA players. The 49-year-old appeared in federal court on Thursday, where he faced arraignment in two criminal cases linked to a broader crackdown on illegal betting operations.
Jones is accused of passing insider information about NBA stars, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis, to organized crime-linked bookies for the purpose of fixing bets. Prosecutors allege that he knowingly provided nonpublic injury updates before key games to help gamblers place high-stakes wagers. One text reportedly sent by Jones urged a co-conspirator to “get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out,” referring to a game where James ultimately did not play.
The former NBA sharpshooter, once a teammate of LeBron James, was arrested alongside more than 30 others swept up in the investigation. Among those also implicated are Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
In addition to leaking sensitive player information, Jones is facing allegations tied to a high-stakes poker ring. Authorities say the games were rigged using concealed technology, including marked cards, x-ray equipment, and altered dealing tables to cheat unsuspecting participants. Former NBA players were allegedly used as high-profile bait to draw in wealthy players to these fraudulent games.
Jones has been released on a $200,000 bond, backed by his mother and stepfather’s Texas home. He is barred from traveling outside of court-approved areas, cannot gamble, and is prohibited from contacting others involved in the case.
The charges come as the NBA continues to navigate growing concerns over gambling’s influence on the sport. The involvement of high-profile figures like Jones underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the risk to the league’s integrity.
