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Ex-NBA Player Damon Jones Pleads Guilty to Gambling Scheme

4/29/2026

44 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On April 28, 2026, former NBA player Damon Jones pleaded guilty in Brooklyn federal court, the first to admit guilt in two linked gambling cases.
He supplied nonpublic injury details about LeBron James before the Feb 9, 2023 Lakers-Bucks game and served as a “face card” in three rigged poker games, earning $2,500 for a Hamptons session.
Guidelines set a total sentence of 48-63 months and a $35,000 forfeiture, with sentencing scheduled for Jan 6.

History

Historical Context

After the FBI disclosed a July 2007 probe into NBA referee Tim Donaghy’s bets on games he officiated, he pleaded guilty on Aug 15 2007 and was sentenced on July 29 2008 to 15 months in prison. The scandal prompted Commissioner David Stern to tighten referee gambling rules in 2007 and spurred a wider U.S. crackdown on sports betting, influencing later cases such as former player Damon Jones.

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Story summary

On April 28, 2026, former NBA player Damon Jones pleaded guilty in Brooklyn federal court, the first to admit guilt in two linked gambling cases.
He supplied nonpublic injury details about LeBron James before the Feb 9, 2023 Lakers-Bucks game and served as a “face card” in three rigged poker games, earning $2,500 for a Hamptons session.
Guidelines set a total sentence of 48-63 months and a $35,000 forfeiture, with sentencing scheduled for Jan 6.

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