Full Breakdown
Former NBA Player Damon Jones Pleads Guilty in Federal Insider Betting and Rigged Poker Schemes
4/29/2026, 2:13:28 AM
Plea and Charges
On April 28 2026, former NBA guard and assistant coach Damon Jones pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in Brooklyn federal court. He admitted using non-public NBA injury information—specifically a tip about LeBron James’s ankle problem—to place bets and acting as a “face card” to lure bettors to rigged poker games run by alleged organized-crime groups.
Investigation Overview
Dubbed “Operation Royal Flush,” the probe indicted 34 individuals and led to more than 30 arrests, including members of the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno families. The betting conspiracy ran from Dec 2022 to Mar 2024; poker games took place in Miami (2020) and the Hamptons (Fall 2023). Over ten victims lost $9.5-$10 million. Jones earned $2,500 per poker session and must forfeit $35,000-$73,000. Sentencing guidelines prescribe 21-27 months for the betting charge and 63-78 months for the poker charge, with a 15-month reduction, for a combined potential term of 48-63 months.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella called the conduct a “multi-faceted criminal betting operation” that used private locker-room and medical data from NBA teams to defraud legitimate sportsbooks. The Justice Department said losses exceed $10 million and highlighted organized-crime involvement. The court noted Jones violated the NBA’s code of conduct prohibiting insider information for personal gain.
Criticism & Opposition
Prosecutors said the scheme compromised sports-betting market integrity and harmed legitimate wagering platforms. Mafia-linked involvement was described as a serious threat to both sports and gambling industries. By breaching the NBA’s code of conduct, Jones undermined the league’s effort to ensure competitive fairness.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I would like to sincerely apologize to the court, my family, my peers and also the National Basketball Association,” — Damon Jones, former NBA player
- “I’m really sorry to everyone involved for my actions.” — Damon Jones
- “As shown by his guilty pleas today, Damon Jones converted his fame and ties to professional basketball into a multi-faceted criminal betting operation,” — U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella
- “Attorney Joseph Nocella said in a statement that "legitimate sportsbooks" got a raw deal with this inside information being shared by Jones.” — U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list three different forfeiture figures: $73,000, $35,000, and $38,000. Reported total losses vary between $9.5 million and “more than $10 million.” The precise number of victims and the full scope of involvement by other NBA figures, such as Chauncey Billups, remain unclear.
What’s Next
Jones is scheduled for sentencing on Jan 6 2027 before Judges LaShann DeArcy Hall (betting case) and Ramon Reyes (poker case). The court may impose a combined term of 48-63 months, enforce forfeiture, and bar Jones from gambling or associating with organized-crime members. Prosecutors said further charges may be filed against co-defendant Terry Rozier soon.
