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Questions around betting integrity in pro sports intensified again after Damon Jones, a former NBA player and later a coach, entered not guilty pleas in two federal cases in Brooklyn. Jones spent 14 years in the league system before moving into coaching roles. He was released on a $200,000 bond supported by family property in Texas.
Good to Know
Prosecutors allege that Jones provided confidential injury updates about players to a betting contact. In one instance, they say Jones learned ahead of time that LeBron James would not play in a 2023 matchup against Milwaukee and encouraged wagering on the Bucks before that information went public. The charges claim this was part of a broader pattern of sharing non-public player status details for financial benefit.
Jones is represented by a court-appointed attorney and maintains his innocence.
The second federal case links Jones to a poker network that reportedly targeted wealthy participants in games set up to feature professional athletes as “face cards.” Authorities say the operation used concealed cameras, specially marked cards, and X-ray devices to manipulate outcomes and generate millions over time.
That indictment names 34 people, including Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier. Prosecutors say the operation was run in private venues and luxury residences, where hosts controlled outcomes to extract large losses from invited players.
Accused associate Angelo Ruggiero Jr. was denied a $5 million bond request. Investigators say they discovered surveillance equipment and poker materials in the home of alleged organizer Robert Stroud, who is currently under home confinement.
Sports bettor Marves Fairley also entered a not guilty plea. Prosecutors claim Fairley placed wagers based on player availability details tied back to Jones; Fairley disputes knowing the information source.
These cases surfaced alongside separate questions raised last weekend about betting patterns surrounding a UFC fight in Las Vegas. Regulators and sports leagues continue to follow alerts tied to suspicious wagering activity as legal sports betting expands across the United States.
Providing non-public injury information to influence wagers and participating in a manipulated poker operation.
No. He has pleaded not guilty in both cases.
More than 30 defendants, including Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier.
Because it involves former pro athletes and potential impacts on betting integrity.
Yes. Additional legal proceedings and filings are expected.