U.S. News
Ex-NBA Star’s Plea Unveils Massive Basketball Gambling Entanglement

Clear Facts
- Damon Jones is expected to be the first person to plead guilty in a wide-ranging federal gambling investigation.
- The case involves over 30 arrests, including alleged Mafia figures and various basketball personalities.
- Jones faces serious charges of money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy across two separate illegal schemes.
The 49-year-old former NBA player is accused of profiting from rigged poker games and selling non-public injury information. This insider data reportedly concerned high-profile players including LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Court filings indicate that Jones has a change-of-plea hearing scheduled for April 28 in a Brooklyn federal court. He was previously arrested in October 2025 alongside other notable basketball figures and professional gamblers.
Authorities allege the scheme leveraged personal connections within the league to gain an unfair advantage in sports betting. Jones remains one of only three individuals facing charges in both the poker and sports gambling operations.
While currently out on bail, the former assistant coach faces significant legal repercussions for his role in the conspiracy. The investigation continues to highlight the risks of professional sports intersecting with organized crime and illicit betting circles.
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