Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones pleads guilty to selling gamblers inside information

Key Points:

• Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones pleaded guilty to federal charges of wire fraud conspiracy for providing inside information to gamblers and participating in rigged poker games.
• Jones admitted guilt in a Brooklyn federal court and faces sentencing on January 6, with prosecutors recommending 21 to 27 months in prison for the sports betting scheme and 63 to 78 months for the poker scam.
• The 49-year-old was arrested last year during a broad investigation into illegal sports betting and poker involving NBA figures and mafia members, including notable individuals like Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier.
• Prosecutors revealed Jones sold or attempted to sell confidential NBA information, including tipping off gamblers about an injured Los Angeles Lakers star before a February 2023 game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
• During the hearing, Jones appeared somber and acknowledged the seriousness of his admissions, expressing relief that there would be no trial.