Damon Jones Plans to Plead Guilty in NBA Gambling Case
The hammer's coming down on Damon Jones. The former NBA player and coach is planning to plead guilty to charges he fed inside information about LeBron James and Anthony Davis injuries to sports bettors, according to a court filing reported Thursday. This is a major shift from his not guilty plea back in November. Jones hasn't had his change-of-plea hearing scheduled yet, but when he does, he'll become the first defendant in this case to actually take the guilty route.
How the Scheme Allegedly Worked
Here's the dirty part. Prosecutors say Jones sold or tried to sell nonpublic injury information to bettors looking to cash in on inside knowledge. The most damaging example? In February 2023, Jones allegedly texted an unnamed co-conspirator about James being injured before a Lakers-Bucks game, saying "Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out." James wasn't even on the injury report at that moment, but he was later ruled out with a lower body injury, and the Lakers lost 115-106.
🎲 Want to Make Tonight's Game More Interesting?
Kalshi lets you trade on real sports outcomes — not just spreads. It's the only federally regulated prediction market in the US, and it's available right here in Washington state.
New users get a FREE $10 just for signing up — no deposit required to claim it.
👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiThen in January 2024, prosecutors claim Jones took approximately $2,500 from sports bettor Marves Fairley for a tip that Anthony Davis would see limited minutes against Oklahoma City Thunder because of injury. Fairley dropped a $100,000 bet on the Thunder to win. Except the intel was garbage. Davis played his regular minutes, scored 27 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and the Lakers won 112-105. Fairley demanded his $2,500 back.
The Bigger Picture
Jones is one of several defendants in this federal gambling probe. NBA player Terry Rozier was also charged after the Miami Heat waived him last week. Rozier has pleaded not guilty and asked a judge to dismiss his charges. A hearing in his case is scheduled for later this month. Jones, an NBA journeyman who made over $20 million across 11 seasons playing for 10 teams from 1999 to 2009, even served as an unofficial assistant coach for James' Lakers during the 2022-23 season. He's also facing additional charges related to rigged poker games, which he's pleaded not guilty to.
When that plea hearing finally happens, the basketball world will be watching.
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about .
View X conversation →This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.