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Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones pleaded guilty Tuesday to two conspiracy counts tied to wire fraud, placing him in the center of two federal cases involving NBA betting information and rigged poker games.
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Jones entered guilty pleas during two separate hearings in a New York court. In the sports betting case, he acknowledged using information “obtained as a result of my relationships as a former player,” according to The Associated Press.
Federal prosecutors said in an October 2025 indictment that Jones gave bettors injury information connected to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Jones admitted Tuesday that he used nonpublic information to defraud sportsbooks and violated the code of conduct of the NBA.
“I would like to sincerely apologize to the court, my family, my peers, and also the National Basketball Association,” Jones said in a read statement during the hearing.
The case also includes Terry Rozier, the former Miami Heat guard now facing additional bribery charges, along with nearly 30 other people. Jones first pleaded not guilty, then asked to change his plea earlier in April.
Prosecutors said Jones told bettors before a Feb. 9, 2023, game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks to “get a big bet on Milwaukee” before the public learned that James would miss the game. Jones, who worked as an unofficial assistant coach with the Lakers, allegedly told the group to “bet enough” so he could receive part of the winnings.
The case also covers a January 2024 game involving Anthony Davis. Prosecutors said Jones received $2,500 through a peer-to-peer financial app for injury information on Davis. Davis played in the game, and coconspirator Marves Fairley later asked for the money back.
Jones also pleaded guilty in a separate case involving rigged poker games in Miami and the Hamptons, New York. He admitted he used his NBA status to “lure high-end bettors” and said he knew the games were fixed.
“I’m really sorry to everyone involved for my actions,” Jones said.
Federal prosecutors said more than 10 victims lost nearly $10 million in the poker operation, which they say involved the mob. Suspended Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was also charged in the case.
Jones agreed to pay $73,000. Two judges will sentence him on Jan. 6, 2027. AP reported that sentencing guidelines could bring 21 to 27 months in prison in the sports betting case and 48 to 63 months in the poker case.