Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones pleaded not guilty to two gambling-related charges in Brooklyn Federal Court. The case involves using non-public NBA injury information for sports betting and manipulating high-stakes poker games. Jones is currently out on bail, with the trial scheduled for November 24.
Case Background and Charges Overview
The federal prosecutors stated that Damon Jones is facing two cases stemming from his involvement in large-scale gambling activities. One involves illegal sports betting using undisclosed player injury information, and the other is related to a poker cheating ring, which is accused of using modified equipment to manipulate game outcomes. Jones, represented by a court-appointed lawyer, denied all charges and was released on a $200,000 bail, with travel restrictions and a prohibition on gambling.
Details on Betting with Injury Information and Poker Cheating
In the injury information betting case, prosecutors claim that on February 9, 2023, Jones sent a message to a co-conspirator suggesting betting on the Bucks due to LeBron James' absence. In another instance, a co-conspirator paid for insider information on Anthony Davis' playing time, but Davis did not rest as expected. In the poker case, Jones is accused of being a "front man" enticing players to participate in rigged games, with the ring using hidden cameras and specially designed tables, and Jones allegedly boasting about his manipulation skills in text messages.
Legal Proceedings and Involved Parties
The case involves several defendants, including NBA coach Chauncey Billups and player Terry Rozier, who have both pleaded not guilty. The poker case is linked to a New York crime family, with a main organizer's bail being denied. Jones' lawyer mentioned the possibility of plea negotiations, with Jones' travel limited to Texas and New York City, and prohibited from contacting gambling or criminal groups. He has played for several NBA teams and served as a shooting consultant for the Cavaliers after retiring.
