Ex-NBA Player Damon Jones to Plead Guilty in US Gambling Case
Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones is set to become the first individual to plead guilty in a major US gambling investigation that has resulted in over 30 arrests, including reputed mobsters and prominent basketball figures. A change-of-plea hearing is scheduled for April 28 in Brooklyn federal court. Jones, 49, faces charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money-laundering conspiracy related to two distinct schemes. Prosecutors allege he sold non-public injury information about stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis to sports bettors and participated in rigged poker games using altered shuffling machines and hidden cameras. One instance involved texting a co-conspirator to bet against the Lakers before James's injury was public. Another involved a failed tip regarding Anthony Davis, which led to a significant loss for a bettor. Jones, who played with James in Cleveland and served as an unofficial coach for the Lakers, was arrested last October alongside figures like Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier. He remains free on bail as this case marks a significant development in the scandal sweeping through the basketball community.
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Ex-NBA Player Damon Jones to Plead Guilty in US Gambling Case
Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones is set to become the first individual to plead guilty in a major US gambling investigation that has resulted in over 30 arrests, including reputed mobsters and prominent basketball figures. A change-of-plea hearing is scheduled for April 28 in Brooklyn federal court. Jones, 49, faces charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money-laundering conspiracy related to two distinct schemes. Prosecutors allege he sold non-public injury information about stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis to sports bettors and participated in rigged poker games using altered shuffling machines and hidden cameras. One instance involved texting a co-conspirator to bet against the Lakers before James's injury was public. Another involved a failed tip regarding Anthony Davis, which led to a significant loss for a bettor. Jones, who played with James in Cleveland and served as an unofficial coach for the Lakers, was arrested last October alongside figures like Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier. He remains free on bail as this case marks a significant development in the scandal sweeping through the basketball community.
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