Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal charges accusing him of profiting from rigged poker games and providing bettors with inside information about injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
According to The Associated Press, Jones, 49, appeared in Brooklyn federal court for back-to-back arraignments, speaking little as his court-appointed attorney entered not guilty pleas in both cases. His mother and stepfather put up their Texas home as collateral for a $200,000 bond, allowing him to remain free while awaiting trial.
Jones’ attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, told the court they “may be engaging in plea negotiations.” Jones is scheduled to return to court Nov. 24 for a preliminary conference with other defendants.
He was one of more than 30 people arrested in a sweeping gambling investigation that included reputed mobsters and basketball figures such as Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
Sports bettor Marves Fairley also pleaded not guilty to charges tied to the same case. Prosecutors allege he used information from Jones about player injuries to place bets.
According to prosecutors, Jones sold or tried to sell non-public details that James would miss a Feb. 9, 2023, game against the Milwaukee Bucks. In a text message, he allegedly told a co-conspirator, “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out.” The Lakers later announced James was injured, and they lost the game 115-106.
Prosecutors also say Fairley paid Jones $2,500 in January 2024 for a tip that Anthony Davis would play limited minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Fairley placed a $100,000 bet on the Thunder — but the tip proved wrong. Davis scored 27 points and had 15 rebounds in a Lakers win, leading Fairley to demand his money back.
Jones, who earned more than $20 million in an 11-year NBA career, played alongside James in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008 and later served as an assistant coach during the Cavaliers’ 2016 championship season.
He is charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy in both cases.
Prosecutors also allege Jones was paid to participate in rigged poker games that used altered shuffling machines, hidden cameras, special sunglasses, and X-ray technology to cheat players. In one instance, Jones was paid $2,500 for a game in the Hamptons and was told to follow instructions from others involved in the scheme.
“Y’all know I know what I’m doing!!” Jones allegedly texted in response.
Authorities say the poker operation was tied to New York crime families, which took a share of the profits and used violence, extortion, and robbery to protect their business.
Jones’ travel is restricted to parts of Texas and New York City while awaiting trial.
