Damon Jones, who spent 14 years in the NBA as both a player and coach, pleaded not guilty on Thursday in two separate federal cases accusing him of taking part in illegal activity involving both sports betting and poker. After appearing before two Brooklyn judges, Jones was released on a $200,000 bond backed by his parents' Texas property.
Key Takeaways
- Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones pleaded not guilty in two federal cases alleging his role in illegal sports betting and poker cheating schemes.
- Jones is accused of providing confidential injury details about NBA athletes, which were used to place bets.
- The indictments include 34 defendants, among them athletes and alleged mafia members accused of using insider information and rigged poker games.
Jones, who is being represented by a court-appointed attorney, faces allegations of providing confidential injury details about NBA players that were then used to place bets before the information became public. Prosecutors claim he messaged a co-conspirator, encouraging wagers on the Milwaukee Bucks after learning that LeBron James would sit out a 2023 game against them.
He also faces allegations of participating in a poker ring that tricked high-stakes players into rigged games featuring professional athletes, referred to as “face cards.”
The broader indictment includes 34 defendants, among them Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier. Prosecutors say the operation relied on concealed cameras, marked cards, and X-ray equipment, generating millions in illicit profits.
Accused Genovese family associate Angelo Ruggiero Jr. was denied a $5 million bond. At the same time, alleged ringleader Robert Stroud remains under home confinement after investigators found poker chips and surveillance gear in his residence.
Sports gambler Marves Fairley likewise pleaded not guilty, rejecting claims that he benefited from private injury information about NBA players that prosecutors allege originated from Jones.
UFC betting controversy prompts refunds amid integrity concerns
The NBA gambling probes have drawn broader scrutiny of sports betting integrity, which was also tested in Las Vegas last weekend after suspicious activity surrounding a UFC fight.
Caesars Sportsbook and William Hill refunded bets on a fight between Isaac Dulgarian and Yadier del Valle after the odds changed significantly and without apparent reason, prior to the fight.
Dulgarian was a favorite at first, but the odds changed drastically before he lost by submission in the first round. Westgate SuperBook halted betting when it detected unusual activity, with early bets favoring the underdog. DraftKings also removed specific prop bets before the fight.
Following the upset, Caesars and William Hill announced they would issue refunds to affected bettors within 24 hours. Both sportsbooks advised in-person customers to retain physical tickets. Dulgarian has since been released from his contract.
The organization reiterated its commitment to betting oversight, citing its partnership with Integrity Compliance 360, which monitors wagering markets for irregularities.
