Damon Jones expected to plead guilty in pair of alleged gambling cases

Published: Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 4:58 pm

Former NBA Player Damon Jones Expected to Plead Guilty in Gambling Cases

Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones is anticipated to plead guilty in two separate cases concerning alleged illegal gambling activities. A court order, issued on Thursday, indicates Jones's shift from his initial not-guilty plea entered on November 6th. The case, overseen in Brooklyn federal court, has been referred to Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo.

Jones was initially charged last year as part of two schemes involving alleged mafia figures and athletes. The indictments, encompassing a total of 34 individuals, named Jones as one of three people implicated in both cases.

One of the charges against Jones involves sharing or attempting to share inside information with bettors. The sports betting indictment alleges that Jones provided a tip about a "prominent NBA player," who appears to be LeBron James, a former teammate and friend. James is not accused of any wrongdoing. The indictment cites a text message allegedly sent by Jones on February 9, 2023, advising a co-conspirator to place a large bet on a Milwaukee game, citing the absence of a specific player.

Separately, Jones is accused of participating in a rigged poker cheating scheme. The indictment alleges that wealthy victims were lured into playing in games rigged against athletes. The indictment, which includes NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups among the defendants, describes Jones as a "face card," a notable figure used to attract participants to the games. Several alleged members of the mafia are also implicated in the poker scheme.

BNN's Perspective:

The allegations against Damon Jones are concerning, highlighting the potential for corruption within the sports world. While the details are still emerging, the case underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of sports and the need for vigilance against illegal gambling activities. The involvement of alleged mafia figures further complicates the situation, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges.

Keywords: Damon Jones, NBA, gambling, plea, indictment, LeBron James, sports betting, poker, mafia, illegal, court, charges, Brooklyn, Chauncey Billups

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