Full Breakdown
Former NBA Player Damon Jones Pleads Guilty in Sports Betting and Poker Fraud Case
4/29/2026, 11:51:29 AM
Guilty Plea and Charges
On April 28 2026, former NBA guard and assistant coach Damon Jones pleaded guilty in Brooklyn federal court to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The pleas cover a scheme that sold non-public NBA injury information to bettors and a separate operation that used rigged poker games run by organized-crime groups. Jones admitted providing tips that led to large wagers on a February 9 2023 Lakers-Bucks game and a January 15 2024 Lakers-Thunder game.
Background & Context
The probe has resulted in over 30 arrests, including former players Terry Rozier and Hall-Famer Chauncey Billups, and members of the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno families. Prosecutors say the defendants exploited NBA locker-room and medical data, sold it to bettors, and used Jones’s celebrity to draw high-roller participants to rigged poker tables in Miami, the Hamptons and New York.
Timeline
- Oct 2025 – Jones arrested with other defendants.
- Dec 2022 – Mar 2024 – Insider-information scheme active.
- Feb 9 2023 – Texted tip about LeBron James’s injury.
- Jan 15 2024 – Received $2,500 for a tip on Anthony Davis.
- Apr 28 2026 – Guilty pleas entered.
- Jan 6 2027 – Sentencing hearings scheduled.
Data & Statistics
Prosecutors say the schemes generated over $10 million in illicit proceeds and caused more than $9.5 million in losses to poker victims. Jones earned $2,500 per poker game and must forfeit either $35,000 or $73,000. The case involves 34 defendants and three New York crime families.
Impact
Federal prosecutors argue the conduct undermines the integrity of professional sports, harms legitimate sportsbooks, and exposes weaknesses in NBA information controls amid a growing legal sports-betting market.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said Jones used his NBA connections to obtain private locker-room and medical data, which he then sold to bettors to defraud sportsbooks. A DOJ statement noted total losses exceed $10 million and that legitimate sportsbooks received a raw deal.
Criticism & Opposition
Prosecutors contend the scheme erodes the integrity of American sports and violates NBA rules and sportsbook terms of service.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sentencing guidelines vary: some sources list 21-27 months for the betting charge and 63-78 months for the poker charge, while others cite a reduced 48-63 month range for the poker case after a 15-month credit. Forfeiture amounts are reported as $35,000 or $73,000. Victim counts are described only as “more than 10.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I apologize to the NBA, players and my peers,” — Damon Jones
- “To god be the glory.” — Damon Jones
- “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out” — Damon Jones (text message)
- “As shown by his guilty pleas today, Damon Jones converted his fame and ties to professional basketball into a multi-faceted criminal betting operation,” — Joseph Nocella
What’s Next
Jones is scheduled for sentencing on Jan 6 2027; prosecutors also intend to pursue additional charges against Terry Rozier. The broader investigation remains ongoing.
