Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones appeared in federal court in Brooklyn on Thursday, pleading not guilty to serious charges related to his involvement in rigged poker games and the illegal dissemination of non-public information concerning injuries to NBA stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The 49-year-old, who once played alongside James, opted to remain silent during the arraignment, allowing his court-appointed attorney to enter the not guilty pleas on his behalf. These charges are part of a broader investigation that led to the arrests of over 30 individuals implicated in extensive gambling operations.
Jones is facing multiple charges, including wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. He acknowledged that he had read both indictments thoroughly and understood the implications of the charges against him, as well as the conditions of his bail. As part of his bail agreement, his mother and stepfather have put up their Texas home as collateral for a $200,000 bond, allowing him to remain free while awaiting trial.
The court session also revealed that Jones' attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, hinted at the possibility of engaging in plea negotiations. Jones is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary conference with other defendants on November 24.
The case has attracted significant attention due to the high-profile nature of those involved. Among the others arrested in the gambling sweep are notable basketball figures, including Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and a Basketball Hall of Famer, as well as Terry Rozier, a guard for the Miami Heat. Additionally, sports bettor Marves Fairley also pleaded not guilty on the same day, accused of profiting from insider information regarding NBA player injuries, some of which were allegedly provided by Jones.
During his career, Jones played for 10 different teams over 11 seasons from 1999 to 2009, earning over $20 million. He and LeBron James were teammates with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008, and Jones later served as an unofficial assistant coach for James’ Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-2023 season.
According to prosecutors, Jones was accused of attempting to sell insider information regarding James' injury status before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 9, 2023. He allegedly texted a co-conspirator, urging them to place a substantial bet on the Bucks before the information became public. Although James was not listed on the injury report at the time, he was subsequently ruled out of the game due to a lower body injury, contributing to the Lakers' loss.
In a separate incident on January 15, 2024, prosecutors claim that Fairley paid Jones approximately $2,500 for a tip regarding Davis’ limited playing time against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After placing a $100,000 bet on the Thunder, Fairley was left disappointed when Davis played his usual minutes, leading to the Lakers' victory. Fairley subsequently demanded a refund of the fee he paid Jones.
Jones is also implicated in a rigged poker scheme, where former NBA players were used to lure unsuspecting participants into manipulated games. The scheme employed a variety of deceptive tactics, including altered shuffling machines, hidden cameras, and even specialized equipment designed to cheat opponents. Prosecutors allege that Jones received $2,500 to participate in one such game in the Hamptons, where he was instructed to observe and cheat as necessary, using strategies that included folding when in doubt.
The operations reportedly involved illegal poker games controlled by New York crime families, which required participants to share a portion of their winnings with notorious groups such as the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonnano families. This criminal infrastructure not only facilitated gambling activities but also engaged in violent acts, including assault and extortion, to maintain control over debts and ensure the success of their operations.
As the case unfolds, the implications of Jones' actions could have far-reaching consequences for his career and the broader NBA community.
