Full Breakdown
Damon Jones to Plead Guilty in Major Gambling Scandal
4/16/2026, 11:37:30 PM
Overview of the Case
Damon Jones, a former NBA player and assistant coach, is expected to plead guilty to federal charges related to illegal gambling activities, including providing nonpublic injury information to gamblers. This development follows his initial not guilty plea entered on November 6, 2023. A change-of-plea hearing is scheduled for April 28, 2026, in Brooklyn federal court.
Allegations Against Damon Jones
Jones is implicated in two significant schemes: one involving insider betting and the other concerning rigged poker games. He is accused of sharing confidential information about NBA players, notably LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with bettors. Prosecutors allege that on February 9, 2023, Jones informed a co-conspirator to place a substantial bet on the Milwaukee Bucks, suggesting that James would not play due to injury—information that had not yet been publicly disclosed. James ultimately missed the game, contributing to the Bucks' victory over the Lakers.
In a separate incident on January 15, 2024, Jones allegedly sold information about Davis's playing status, leading a bettor to place a $100,000 wager based on inaccurate tips. The indictment claims that Jones received $2,500 for this information, which ultimately resulted in a demand for a refund when Davis played normally.
Involvement in Rigged Poker Games
In addition to the betting allegations, Jones is also charged in connection with a poker scheme linked to organized crime. Prosecutors assert that he was used as a "face card" to attract high-stakes gamblers into rigged games, which employed advanced cheating methods, including altered shuffling machines and hidden cameras. This operation reportedly involved members of the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonanno crime families.
Official Statements & Responses
Jones's attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, confirmed the plea change but emphasized that Jones is not cooperating with authorities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has not commented on the case. Jones's expected guilty plea marks him as the first of six defendants in the sports betting case to shift from a not guilty plea.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the gambling schemes argue that the involvement of former NBA players undermines the integrity of the sport. The broader implications of this scandal extend beyond individual accountability, raising concerns about the influence of organized crime in professional sports.
What's Next
Following the change-of-plea hearing on April 28, 2026, Jones faces potential sentencing for the charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering, each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The case continues to unfold as other defendants, including Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups, maintain their not guilty pleas.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out! [Player 3] is out tonight.” — Damon Jones, Former NBA Player
- “He is not cooperating.” — Kenneth Montgomery, Attorney for Damon Jones
This case represents a significant moment in the ongoing scrutiny of gambling practices within professional sports, highlighting the potential for corruption and the need for stringent oversight.
