NEW YORK (Echosphere News) — Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of profiting from rigged poker games and providing sports bettors with insider information about injuries to NBA stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
During arraignments in federal court in Brooklyn, Jones, who was a teammate of James during their time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, chose to remain silent as his court-appointed lawyer entered not guilty pleas for him on two cases linked to last month’s federal investigation into a massive illegal gambling operation.
At 49 years old, Jones confirmed that he understood the charges and conditions of his bail, which required collateral from his family in Texas for a $200,000 bond allowing him to stay free while waiting for trial. His lawyer hinted that plea negotiations might be in play, with another court date scheduled for November 24.
Jones was among the more than 30 individuals arrested during the gambling sting, which included other prominent figures from the basketball world, such as Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
Prosecutors allege that Jones provided non-public information about James's health status to bettors, urging them to place bets on a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, where James later missed due to injury. Further accusations detail Jones advising another bettor about Anthony Davis's limited playing time, which resulted in a mismatched bet.
Jones amassed over $20 million during his professional career spanning ten teams between 1999 and 2009, before transitioning to a coaching role. Following these charges, details have emerged about his involvement in poker games that were rigged, employing tactics like hidden cameras and special shuffling machines to deceive competitors.
The indictment claims that Jones actively engaged in a scheme where players were manipulated into games where they were likely to lose money against former NBA talents, sharing profits with organized crime groups responsible for violence and intimidation to ensure operational success.
A previously outspoken commentator on his skills, Jones once dubbed himself the best shooter in the world during an interview, showcasing his self-confidence as he navigates this turbulent period of legal challenges.
As the case unfolds, Jones's history and connections in the sports and gambling world will continue to draw the spotlight in a narrative involving crime and corruption permeating the realm of professional athletics.
