Preliminary Deal Discussions Surface Ahead of Key Hearings in NBA Cases

Federal prosecutors claim the wide-ranging gambling probes involving current and former NBA figures are gaining steam. New court papers reveal several defendants are thinking about plea deals that could prevent long trials.

Prosecutors Signal Progress as Dual Gambling Cases Draw 31 Defendants

The two cases, one looking into alleged rigging of high-stakes poker games and the other into the misuse of private NBA information for betting, include 31 defendants from organized crime groups, professional sports, and underground betting rings. Officials say the links between the poker and sports betting claims have grown stronger as the investigation has moved forward. This has led to the teams working on each case collaborating more closely, reported NBC News.

Recent court papers filed in Brooklyn federal court show that prosecutors and several defense lawyers have started early talks about possible deals. The government stressed that no official negotiations are happening yet, but officials called the discussions productive and hinted they might settle part of the case without going to trial. The documents did not say which defendants are taking part in these talks.

This news comes as the court gets ready for a big status meeting next week, where all the charged people are supposed to show up. Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups will be arraigned at this hearing. His lawyer has already said the coach plans to plead not guilty and insists he has not done anything wrong.

Jones Denies Wrongdoing While Plea Talks Rumored for Other Defendants

Among the defendants getting the most attention is former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones. He faces charges linked to both investigations. He has already said he is not guilty of claims that he got benefits from rigged poker games. He is also accused of trying to give NBA injury information to bettors. After his last time in court, he was let out on a secured bond. The terms say he cannot gamble or talk to anyone tied to organized crime.

Another person under the microscope is Marves Fairley. He is accused of using inside information about lineup changes to place fake bets. A recent court order said Fairley was talking about maybe settling his case. However, his lawyer said that was not true and did not want to make any further comments.

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, whose injury status others misused, faces no accusations of placing improper bets himself. His lawyer stated Rozier plans to plead not guilty and sees no reason to think about a deal. Prosecutors have not said if any future agreements might involve helping the government. For now, both cases keep moving forward side by side. The upcoming hearings should give the first clear idea of how many defendants plan to fight the charges and how many might look for negotiated outcomes.