Former NBA Player Damon Jones Pleads Guilty in Federal Gambling Scheme
Jones is the first person to plead guilty in a sweep that led to more than 30 arrests, including reputed mobsters and basketball figures.
Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones, who was arrested in Las Vegas, became the first person to plead guilty in a federal gambling sweep Tuesday when he entered a guilty plea to a single count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in Brooklyn federal court. The sweep led to the arrests of more than 30 people, including reputed mobsters and other basketball figures.
Guilty Plea Entered in Brooklyn Federal Court
Jones, 49, entered his guilty plea during the first of back-to-back plea-change hearings held Tuesday in Brooklyn federal court. Sentencing guidelines call for a punishment of 21 to 27 months in prison.
Reading a prepared statement to the court, Jones acknowledged that he conspired with others to defraud sports betting companies by using insider information obtained through his relationships as a former player. "I would like to sincerely apologize to the court, my family, my peers and also the National Basketball Association," Jones said. He also acknowledged that his actions violated the NBA's code of conduct and the terms of service on sports betting websites.
Charges Tied to Rigged Poker Games and Injury Information
Jones is charged in separate cases with profiting from rigged poker games and providing sports bettors with nonpublic information about injuries to NBA stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, according to court filings.
Jones had previously pleaded not guilty in both cases to charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. Both of those charges carry a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison.
Las Vegas Arrest Part of Broader Federal Sweep
Jones was arrested in Las Vegas as part of the broader federal gambling investigation that ensnared more than 30 individuals, including reputed mobsters and other figures connected to professional basketball.
His guilty plea Tuesday marks the first conviction to emerge from the wide-ranging sweep, signaling that federal prosecutors are moving forward with the cases against the remaining defendants.
What we know
- Damon Jones is a former NBA player and assistant coach who was arrested in Las Vegas.
- Jones pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in Brooklyn federal court on Tuesday.
- He is the first person to plead guilty in a gambling sweep that led to the arrests of more than 30 people, including reputed mobsters and other basketball figures.
- Sentencing guidelines call for a punishment of 21 to 27 months in prison on the wire fraud conspiracy count.
- Jones is separately charged with profiting from rigged poker games and providing bettors with nonpublic information about injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
- The wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy charges each carry a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison.
- Jones acknowledged his actions violated the NBA's code of conduct and the terms of service on sports betting websites.
Why it matters
Jones was arrested in Las Vegas, placing the city at the center of a sweeping federal investigation into sports betting fraud that has ensnared more than 30 individuals. The case highlights the vulnerability of professional sports leagues to insider betting schemes and the federal government's willingness to pursue criminal charges against former players and coaches who exploit their access to nonpublic information. For Las Vegas, a city that has embraced legal sports betting as a major economic driver, the case underscores ongoing concerns about the integrity of wagering markets.
What’s next
Jones faces sentencing on the wire fraud conspiracy count, with guidelines calling for 21 to 27 months in prison. He also remains charged in separate cases involving rigged poker games and the leaking of injury information about LeBron James and Anthony Davis, where wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy charges each carry a maximum of 20 years. The Tuesday hearing was described as the first of back-to-back plea-change hearings, suggesting additional proceedings are scheduled.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Damon Jones and why was he arrested?
Damon Jones is a 49-year-old former NBA player and assistant coach who was arrested in Las Vegas as part of a federal gambling sweep. He is accused of using insider information obtained through his relationships as a former player to defraud sports betting companies.
What did Damon Jones plead guilty to?
Jones pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in Brooklyn federal court on Tuesday. Sentencing guidelines call for 21 to 27 months in prison on that count.
What other charges does Damon Jones face?
Jones is charged in separate cases with profiting from rigged poker games and providing sports bettors with nonpublic information about injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Those charges — wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy — each carry a maximum of 20 years in prison.
How many people were arrested in the gambling sweep connected to Jones?
The federal gambling sweep led to the arrests of more than 30 people, including reputed mobsters and other basketball figures. Jones is the first among them to plead guilty.
What did Jones say in court?
Reading a prepared statement, Jones said he conspired with others to defraud sports betting companies using insider information from his relationships as a former player. He apologized to the court, his family, his peers, and the NBA, and acknowledged his actions violated the league's code of conduct.