NEW YORK (AP) — Damon Jones, a former NBA player and assistant coach, pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges involving rigged poker games and unlawfully providing sports bettors with sensitive information regarding injuries of players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
During his arraignment at a federal court in Brooklyn, the 49-year-old Jones, who briefly played alongside James, refrained from speaking, allowing his attorney to enter not guilty pleas on his behalf. The charges are part of a broader federal investigation into sprawling illegal gambling operations that resulted in over 30 arrests in a sweep last month.
Jones confirmed he understood the serious nature of the allegations, including bail conditions that see his family putting up their Texas residence as collateral for his $200,000 bond, enabling him to remain free pending trial. His attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, revealed they might explore plea negotiations. Jones is scheduled to appear again in court on November 24 to discuss further legal activities.
Among the arrested were notable figures like Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Fairley received a not guilty plea as well on similar charges of having benefited from insider information on injuries to NBA players.
Damon Jones, who has earned more than $20 million over his 11 seasons in the NBA, is implicated in selling health-related news—prosecutors allege he texted a co-conspirator to place a hefty wager on a Milwaukee Bucks game before announcing James' injury. Contrarily, no injury had been officially noted on the Lakers' report, although James later missed that game due to health issues.
Furthermore, prosecutors claimed Jones was engaged in a poker scheme, reportedly exploiting unknowing players in rigged games backed by organized crime. Jones was allegedly compensated for his involvement in these operations, which utilized illicit methods to deceive participants.
Facing charges of conspiracy and money laundering, Jones is under restrictions that limit his travel access to certain locations in Texas and New York City while retaining his passport for identification during travel arrangements.
Jones built a reputation for his shooting skills during his time in the NBA, but now finds himself in a complex web of legal troubles questioning the integrity of sports gambling.
