TITLE: Former NBA Guard Damon Jones Enters Not Guilty Plea in Brooklyn Gambling Probe
SLUG: damon-jones-not-guilty-gambling-case
CONTENT:
NEW YORK — Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones pleaded not guilty on Thursday to federal allegations that he earned money from fixed poker games and leaked confidential injury information about stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis to sports bettors.
During consecutive arraignments in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, the 49-year-old Galveston, Texas, native let court-appointed attorney Kenneth Montgomery enter not guilty pleas in two separate indictments. Both cases stem from a wide-ranging gambling crackdown announced last month.
Prosecutors accuse Jones of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. The government says he attempted to sell insider details about James’ status before a Feb. 9, 2023 matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, texting a co-conspirator to “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out.” James, not yet listed on the injury report, was later ruled out, and the Lakers lost 115-106.
A second allegation claims sports bettor Marves Fairley paid Jones about $2,500 on Jan. 15, 2024 for word that Davis would see limited minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Fairley wagered $100,000 on the Thunder, but Davis played his normal workload, posting 27 points and 15 rebounds in a 112-105 Lakers victory. Fairley, who also pleaded not guilty Thursday, then demanded his $2,500 back, according to prosecutors.
Jones was one of more than 30 defendants arrested, a group that includes Portland Trail Blazers coach and Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. A preliminary conference with all defendants is set for Nov. 24, and Montgomery told the court the parties “may be engaging in plea negotiations.”
U.S. Magistrate Judge agreed to release Jones on a $200,000 bond secured by his mother and stepfather’s Texas home. Travel is limited to parts of Texas and New York City. Jones retained his passport for identification until he receives a REAL ID.
Beyond the alleged injury tips, prosecutors link Jones to a poker scheme that used altered shuffling machines, hidden cameras, special sunglasses and X-ray devices built into tables. The indictment says he collected $2,500 to participate in a Hamptons game where he was instructed to fold when uncertain. Text messages show Jones replying, “y’all know I know what I’m doing!!”
The poker operation, officials contend, siphoned proceeds to New York’s Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno crime families, who allegedly enforced debts through violence, extortion and robbery.
Jones played 11 NBA seasons from 1999 to 2009 with 10 teams, earning more than $20 million. He teamed with James in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008, served as a Cavaliers assistant when the club won the 2016 title and later worked unofficially with the Lakers during the 2022-23 season.
Source: ESPN
