Damon Jones pleads guilty: Former NBA star implicated in major gambling scandal-Here's what he said

A former NBA player is now at the center of a major gambling scandal that has shaken the basketball world. Damon Jones has pleaded guilty in federal court, becoming the first defendant to do so in a sweeping investigation. His admission offers a clearer look at how the schemes unfolded. The case involves insider information, rigged poker games, and millions of dollars in illegal gains. As the legal process moves forward, Jones’ apology and courtroom statements are drawing attention.

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Damon Jones has admitted his role in two major gambling schemes, becoming the first person to plead guilty in a wide-ranging federal investigation. The 49-year-old entered his plea during hearings in Brooklyn federal court, where he addressed the judge and expressed regret, as per reports by ABC News and NBC News.

“I would like to sincerely apologize to the court, my family, my peers and also the National Basketball Association,” Jones said during the proceedings before Magistrate Judge Joseph Marutollo.

What did Damon Jones admit in court?

Jones pleaded guilty to charges tied to sharing insider information and participating in fraudulent gambling activities. In one case, he admitted to being part of a network that used nonpublic NBA information to place bets. Prosecutors said he accessed medical details about players through his connections and passed that information along for profit.

He acknowledged that his goal “was to obtain money” and admitted to defrauding sports betting platforms. One example presented in court involved a 2023 game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks. Jones sent a message urging a large bet, noting that a key player would not play. LeBron James sat out that game, and the Lakers lost, as per reports by ABC News and NBC News.

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How did the gambling schemes work?

In a separate case, Jones admitted involvement in organizing poker games that were rigged. Prosecutors said he used his reputation to attract wealthy players, while the games themselves were manipulated using altered equipment, including special shuffling machines and hidden technology.

Authorities say the combined schemes generated more than $10 million. Jones confirmed in court that he “provided insider information” obtained through his ties to the NBA, as per reports by ABC News and NBC News.

He is also linked to a broader investigation that includes nearly three dozen defendants, ranging from alleged mob figures to basketball insiders.

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What could his sentence look like?

Jones now faces sentencing scheduled for January 6. Prosecutors indicated he could receive around two years in prison for the sports betting case, with a significantly longer term — between 63 and 78 months — suggested for the poker scheme.

During the hearing, Jones appeared subdued, responding to the judge’s questions with repeated “Yes, sir” answers. When asked afterward if he felt relief about avoiding trial, he replied, “To god be the glory.”
Jones, who played for 10 teams during an 11-year NBA career and later served in an unofficial coaching role with the Lakers, is now the first to accept responsibility in a case that continues to unfold.

FAQs:

Q1: What charges did Damon Jones plead guilty to?
He admitted to wire fraud conspiracy linked to sports betting and poker schemes.

Q2: Could he face jail time?
Yes, prosecutors say he may serve several years in prison depending on sentencing.