Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones is scheduled to plead guilty to charges related to his involvement in rigged poker games and the unauthorized disclosure of confidential injury information about NBA stars, including LeBron James.

Guilty Plea in High-Profile Gambling Investigation

This development represents a significant turning point in a sweeping gambling investigation that has resulted in the arrests of over 30 individuals, including alleged mobsters and other basketball figures. Jones, 49, is expected to be the first defendant to enter a guilty plea in the case.

Details of the Poker Scheme

Prosecutors allege that Jones played a key role in both the poker scheme and a related sports betting scandal. The poker scheme involved luring unsuspecting players into rigged games, utilizing altered shuffling machines, hidden cameras, special sunglasses, and even X-ray equipment embedded in the poker tables.

Jones' Role and Communication

According to the indictment, Jones received $2,500 for participating in a game in the Hamptons, where he was instructed to cheat. When unsure of his hand, he was told to fold, a directive he acknowledged with a text message stating: “Y’all know I know what I’m doing!!”.

Disclosure of Injury Information

In the sports betting aspect of the case, Jones is accused of selling or attempting to sell confidential injury information regarding LeBron James and Anthony Davis to bettors. This information allegedly impacted betting outcomes by revealing player participation status or limited playing time.

Potential Consequences and Ongoing Investigation

Jones, who played with James in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008 and served as an unofficial assistant coach for the Lakers during the 2022-2023 season, faces serious legal repercussions. He is expected to plead guilty to at least one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Despite the severity of the charges, Jones remains free on bail. Prosecutors are also seeking additional charges against former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who was arrested alongside Jones last October. The case has garnered significant attention due to the involvement of prominent basketball personalities, including Chauncey Billups.