Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones has pleaded not guilty to a series of federal charges in Brooklyn, New York. Jones, 49, stands accused of profiting from rigged poker games and disseminating nonpublic information about injuries to star NBA players, specifically LeBron James and Anthony Davis, to sports bettors. His plea was entered during back-to-back arraignments in federal court, part of a larger federal takedown of extensive gambling operations.

Jones acknowledged understanding the charges and his bail conditions, which include a $200,000 bond secured by his mother and stepfather's Texas home, allowing him to remain free pending trial. His lawyer, Kenneth Montgomery, indicated that plea negotiations might be underway. Jones is scheduled to appear in court again on November 24 for a preliminary conference with other defendants implicated in the gambling sweep.

The federal operation led to the arrest of over 30 individuals, including reputed mobsters and other notable basketball figures such as Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Among those also pleading not guilty was sports bettor Marves Fairley, who allegedly benefited from inside information on NBA player injuries, some of which prosecutors claim Jones supplied.

Jones, who had an 11-season NBA career from 1999 to 2009, playing for 10 teams and earning over $20 million, was a teammate of LeBron James in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008. He later served as an unofficial assistant coach for James' Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-2023 season. Prosecutors allege that Jones attempted to sell or sold privileged information regarding James' injury and absence from a February 9, 2023, game against the Milwaukee Bucks. He reportedly texted an unnamed co-conspirator to "Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out" prior to James being officially listed on the injury report. James was later ruled out due to a lower-body injury, and the Lakers lost the game.

In another instance on January 15, 2024, prosecutors claim Fairley paid Jones approximately $2,500 for a tip that Anthony Davis would have limited playing time against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to an injury. Fairley then placed a $100,000 bet on the Thunder. However, the tip proved incorrect, as Davis played his regular minutes, contributing significantly to a Lakers victory. This led Fairley to demand a refund from Jones for his $2,500 fee.

A native of Galveston, Texas, and a University of Houston alumnus, Jones faces charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy in both cases. His bail agreement restricts his travel to specific areas of Texas and New York City. He was permitted to retain his passport for identification while awaiting a REAL ID.

Beyond the sports betting allegations, Jones is also implicated in a rigged poker scheme. Prosecutors assert that Jones was among former NBA players utilized to draw unsuspecting individuals into fraudulent poker games. These games allegedly employed sophisticated cheating methods, including altered shuffling machines, concealed cameras, specialized sunglasses, and even X-ray equipment integrated into the poker tables. Jones reportedly received $2,500 for participating in a rigged game in the Hamptons, where he was instructed to observe and fold his hand when in doubt. He allegedly responded via text, "y'all know I know what I'm doing!!" These illegal poker operations were often linked to New York crime families, including the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonanno families, which received a portion of the proceeds. Members of these families also reportedly engaged in violent acts such as assault, extortion, and robbery to ensure debt repayment and the scheme's continuity.