Ex-NBA Player Damon Jones Rejects Claims in Federal Gambling Lawsuit

Damon Jones, who used to play guard and coach in the NBA, said he was not guilty in federal court on Thursday. He denied claims that he sold secret team information and joined in on rigged poker games linked to the mob.

Federal Probe Ties Ex-NBA Player Damon Jones to Leaked Injury Tips and Rigged Poker Games

Jones, 49, showed up in US District Court in Brooklyn. There, prosecutors laid out two connected criminal cases against him — one about an alleged poker scam and another about illegal sports betting. The court let the former Cleveland Cavaliers player go on a $200,000 bond. His family in Texas backed the bond while he waits to go trial, reported the Associated Press.

The feds say Jones was one of over 30 people caught up in an investigation last month. The probe also brought charges against big names like Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Court documents claim Jones gave a sports bettor named Marves Fairley private information about injuries to NBA stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Fairley also pleaded not guilty this week.

Prosecutors say Jones told a friend in February 2023 that James would not play in a Lakers game against Milwaukee before anyone else knew. They claim he suggested his friend bet big on the other team. They also say something similar happened in a January 2024 game against Oklahoma City. Jones sold information that Davis would play less because of an injury. This turned out to be wrong. Davis played a lot and helped the Lakers win.

Federal Case Claims Damon Jones Helped Run Fixed Poker Games Backed by New York Crime Rings

The authorities also claim Jones got about $2,500 from Fairley for one of these tips. When the bet did not work out, Fairley supposedly asked for his money back.

In another related charge, Jones stands accused of helping set up poker games meant to fool rich players. Prosecutors claim the games used rigged shuffling machines, hidden cameras, and other tools to control the results. Jones acted as a known face to draw in players, getting small payouts for his role.

Investigators say these plots had ties to members of New York’s Gambino, Genovese, and Bonanno crime families. These groups got shares of the money and used threats and force to collect debts.

Jones, who hails from Galveston, Texas, played in the NBA for 11 seasons from 1999 to 2009, making over $20 million. He stood out for his skill in three-point shots. After his playing career, he became part of Cleveland’s coaching team and helped the Cavaliers win the championship in 2016.His lawyer, Kenneth Montgomery, said that talks with prosecutors are still going on and that they might still think about a plea deal. Jones is due back in court on November 24 for a preliminary hearing.