Ex-NBA Guard Damon Jones Set To Plead Guilty In Gambling Case - Report

Last Updated:April 28, 2026, 15:53 IST

Former NBA player Damon Jones is set to plead guilty in a gambling case involving insider injury leaks and rigged poker games, becoming the first to do so in the probe.

Former NBA player Damon Jones is set to plead guilty in a high-profile gambling case, as part of a wider federal investigation that has already led to more than 30 arrests.

Jones, 49, is expected to enter his plea in a Brooklyn federal court, becoming the first defendant in the case to do so.

Court filings indicate he will plead guilty to at least one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He had previously pleaded not guilty to charges including wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, both of which carry potential sentences of up to 20 years.

Prosecutors allege that Jones was involved in two separate schemes: rigged high-stakes poker games and the sharing of nonpublic injury information with sports bettors.

The betting-related allegations centre on claims that Jones provided insider details about NBA players, including former teammate LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

According to prosecutors, he tipped off bettors about injuries, expected minutes, and potential absences — information that could influence wagering markets.

Jones had close access to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022–23 season, working informally with James on pregame routines and traveling with the team. That access, investigators say, allowed him to gather sensitive information from behind the scenes.

Reports reviewed by The Athletic claim Jones shared details about player availability shortly after James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record in February 2023. He is also accused of leaking injury-related information ahead of a January 2024 game after learning about minutes restrictions from team staff.

Separately, prosecutors allege Jones participated in rigged poker games designed to deceive players. These games reportedly used manipulated shuffling machines, hidden cameras, specialised eyewear, and even modified tables to gain an advantage.

Jones was arrested last October alongside several others, including former NBA player Terry Rozier. Authorities have indicated that additional charges could still be filed against some co-defendants. Another notable figure linked to the investigation is Chauncey Billups.

Jones, who earned over $20 million during an 11-year NBA career spanning 10 teams, remains free on bail pending his court appearance.

(with AP inputs)

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