Former NBA Player Damon Jones Pleads Not Guilty in Betting and Poker Fraud Cases
NEW YORK – Former NBA guard Damon Jones pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to both an illegal sports betting scheme and a high-stakes poker fraud operation, prosecutors announced today.Jones, 47, faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with both cases.
The sports betting allegations center around a January 15, 2024 incident where Jones allegedly sold a false tip to a man named Fairley for $2,500.The tip claimed that Los Angeles Lakers forward and center anthony Davis would have limited playing time against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to injury.fairley subsequently bet $100,000 on the Thunder to win, but Davis played his usual minutes, scoring 27 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in a 112-105 Lakers victory. Fairley then demanded repayment of the $2,500.
prosecutors also allege Jones was involved in a sophisticated poker scheme targeting unsuspecting players. The scheme utilized altered shuffling machines, hidden cameras, special sunglasses, and even X-ray equipment built into tables to cheat opponents. Jones is accused of receiving $2,500 for participating in a game in the Hamptons, where he was instructed to closely monitor specific players - described by his instructor as being comparable to LeBron James and Steph Curry – and withdraw from the game if unsure.
According to prosecutors, Jones responded to these instructions with a text message stating, “Y’all no I know what I’m doing!!”
The indictment further alleges the poker games were often organized by New York crime families – including the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonanno families – who were expected to share profits. members of these families allegedly engaged in violent acts, including assault, extortion, and robbery, to enforce debts and maintain the operation.
Jones, a Galveston, Texas native who played college basketball at the University of Houston, enjoyed a nine-year NBA career, known for his three-point shooting ability. He famously proclaimed himself “the best shooter in the world” in an interview with insidehoops.com and played in every regular season game for three consecutive seasons from 2003 to 2006. After retiring as a player, Jones served as a shooting consultant for the Cleveland Cavaliers and was an assistant coach during their 2016 NBA championship run led by James.
As part of his bail agreement, Jones’ travel is restricted to parts of Texas and New York City. He has been permitted to retain his passport for identification purposes while obtaining a REAL ID,which his attorney anticipates will occur soon.
