Ex-NBA player Damon Jones is 1st to plead guilty in gambling sweep that led to over 30 arrests
Former NBA player Damon Jones pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving sports betting fraud and rigged poker games.Summary
Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones has become the first person to plead guilty in a massive gambling investigation that has resulted in over 30 arrests. Jones pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, admitting to using insider information regarding NBA player injuries to defraud major sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel.
Additionally, Jones admitted to acting as a "face card" for rigged high-stakes poker games in Miami and the Hamptons, using his celebrity status to lure wealthy bettors into games that utilized cheating technology. He expressed sincere apologies to the court, his family, and the NBA for his actions.
The investigation also involves reputed members of organized crime families and other basketball figures. Jones faces potential prison time in early 2026, with sentencing to be determined for both the sports betting and poker fraud cases.
(Source：Santa Rosa Press Democrat)