Damon Jones, a former NBA player and assistant coach, pleaded guilty on 28/4 in federal court in Brooklyn to two charges: conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to providing inside information for NBA gambling, and participating in a poker ring that fixed results. The case, initiated by the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York late last year, could see Jones face a lengthy prison sentence.

Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones leaves the federal court in Brooklyn, New York, USA on 28/4/2026. *Photo: AP*

Prosecutors stated that Jones leveraged his connections within the basketball community to provide confidential information to a sports gambling group. He also acted as a "decoy" in rigged poker games, drawing in unsuspecting players. The fraudulent poker operation employed various illicit methods, including modified shuffling machines, hidden cameras, and card-reading devices. Prosecutors believe this scheme was connected to organized crime groups, generating millions of USD from victims.

Jones, who initially faced four serious charges, admitted in court to supplying inside information based on his league contacts. This included data concerning star LeBron James during Jones's time as a volunteer coach with the Los Angeles Lakers. He also confessed to his role as a "frontman" in the fraudulent poker ring, designed to attract victims. Jones testified that he participated in three such games between 2020 and 2023 in Miami and the Hamptons, receiving payment for his involvement. "I knew these games were fixed and players were being cheated," Jones stated.

Jones is scheduled for sentencing on 6/1/2027. For the charges he pleaded guilty to, he could face 21 to 27 months in prison for the NBA-related conduct and 63 to 78 months for the poker case. Prosecutors have recommended a 15-month reduction in his sentence due to his cooperation. The total losses from the poker scheme exceeded 9,5 million USD, affecting more than 10 victims. Jones has agreed to forfeit 73,000 USD in illicit gains. "I sincerely apologize to the court, my family, colleagues, and the NBA," the 49-year-old former star remarked after his plea.

Jones played 11 NBA seasons for 10 teams from 1999 to 2009, including the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and San Antonio Spurs, earning over 21 million USD. He was a teammate of LeBron James in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008. After retiring, Jones served as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers and an unofficial advisor/assistant for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-2023 season.

Damon Jones (right) playing with star LeBron James in 2007. *Photo: NBAE*

Jones's case is part of a larger investigation involving 34 defendants. The day prior to Jones's plea, player Terry Rozier also appeared in court concerning allegations of providing inside information. Additionally, Portland Trail Blazers head coach and former star Chauncey Billups have been accused of participating in the same fraudulent poker ring, though they have denied the charges. Another defendant, Marves Fairley, is also expected to plead guilty soon, according to court documents.