Former NBA guard Damon Jones entered a guilty plea on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, acknowledging two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud tied to an illicit sports betting operation and a separate series of fixed high-stakes poker games.
During the hearing, Jones told Judge Pamela Chen that he provided bettors with nonpublic NBA information, including injury reports, to give them an advantage. He conceded that the scheme violated league rules and sportsbook regulations and offered an apology to the NBA, his family and others affected.
Prosecutors said Jones was also paid to serve as a “face card” at exclusive poker events in locations such as Miami and the Hamptons. According to the government, he was aware the games were rigged and that participants were being defrauded. Investigators cited more than 10 victims and losses topping $9 million.
Sentencing is set for early January. Federal guidelines indicate the former guard could receive a multi-year prison term, with the poker fraud carrying the heavier potential penalty.
Jones is the first person to plead guilty in a broader probe that has implicated other individuals with NBA ties, including Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups.
Source: Hoops Wire
