Ex-NBA Star Damon Jones Pleads Guilty in Gambling Scheme

Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones has become the first individual to plead guilty in a sweeping gambling investigation. The 49-year-old pleaded guilty on Tuesday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in Brooklyn federal court. Jones acknowledged using insider information, specifically non-public injury details of NBA stars, to defraud sports betting companies between December 2022 and March 2024.

Jones expressed sincere apologies to the court, his family, peers, and the NBA for his actions, which violated the league's code of conduct and betting websites' terms of service. He is scheduled for sentencing on January 6, 2027, with potential penalties up to 27 months in prison and a forfeiture of $35,000. He is also separately charged in a rigged poker game scheme.

The investigation has led to over 30 arrests, including alleged mob figures and other basketball personalities. Prosecutors are seeking additional charges against co-defendants, such as former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Jones's plea marks a significant development in a case involving allegations of selling or attempting to sell sensitive player injury information.