Former NBA Player Damon Jones Admits Guilt in Federal Gambling Case
Damon Jones, a former NBA player and assistant coach, this week became the first individual to plead guilty in a far-reaching federal gambling case that has implicated several former professional basketball players. The plea was entered in a New York City federal courthouse on Tuesday.
Jones admitted to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud:
- One count involved placing bets with online sportsbooks using non-public NBA player information provided by Jones, including details about players' likelihood to not play.
- The second count related to Jones's role in recruiting inexperienced poker players—referred to as "fish"—into rigged games that were allegedly connected to organized crime families.
Prosecutors described Jones as one of the "face cards" used to lure weaker poker players into these fraudulent games.
Sports Betting Scheme Allegedly Spanned Two NBA Seasons
According to the prosecution, Jones was among several individuals who shared non-public information about NBA games to facilitate illegal betting. In exchange, Jones reportedly received a flat fee or a share of the profits. These activities allegedly occurred during the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 NBA seasons.
During this period, Jones served as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2022 to 2023.
Additional Charges Filed Against Terry Rozier
A day before Jones's guilty plea, prosecutors announced plans to file additional charges against former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. The charges stem from allegations that Rozier solicited and accepted a bribe, as stated by an attorney quoted in The Athletic.
Similar charges have been brought against Rozier in relation to his time with the Charlotte Hornets.
"Jones was among several people who passed along non-public information related to NBA games to help others place bets."
The case highlights the ongoing federal investigation into illegal gambling activities involving former NBA players and associates.
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