Two More NBA Players Face Charges in Expanding Federal Gambling Probe
Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups charged in expanding NBA federal gambling investigation.
Event / Security
NBA Gambling Investigation
Federal investigation into illegal gambling schemes involving NBA players results in multiple charges. Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones faces charges related to selling non-public injury information to sports bettors and participation in rigged poker games connected to organized crime.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 17 Apr, 00:07 UTC
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What happened
Damon Jones accused of using insider information to tip sports bettors on NBA games
Federal prosecutors accused Jones of sending tips to sports bettors about nonpublic injury information regarding NBA players. In one instance, Jones allegedly sent a message saying "Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out!" referring to information that LeBron James, his former teammate, would not play or would play limited time. Jones also allegedly provided information about Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers. Jones served as an unofficial assistant coach for James' Lakers during the 2022-2023 season.
Damon Jones becomes first defendant to plead guilty in federal gambling sweep
Damon Jones became the first person to plead guilty in a pair of federal indictments involving 34 defendants, including alleged mobsters and other NBA figures. The indictments focus on two schemes: rigged poker games and sports betting using insider information. Jones was one of three people charged in both indictments. Other defendants named in the investigation include Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, both of whom have pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors indicated eleven other defendants are set to make plea agreements.
Damon Jones participated in rigged poker games using altered shuffling machines
Jones participated in rigged poker games as part of what federal prosecutors labeled "Operation Royal Flush" between October 2020 and September 2023. The scheme used altered shuffling machines, hidden cameras, special sunglasses, and X-ray equipment built into tables to defraud players. Jones participated in at least three rigged games, including two held in Miami. In one 2019 Las Vegas game, a victim was defrauded of $50,000. Jones was paid $2,500 for a game in the Hamptons where he was instructed to cheat and fold his hand when unsure.
Chauncey Billups charged in federal rigged poker scheme investigation
Portland Trail Blazers head coach and Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups was arrested in October as part of the federal investigation into rigged poker games. Billups, along with Jones and Rozier, was among the 34 defendants arrested in the sweeping federal indictments. Billups has pleaded not guilty to charges and has not changed his plea.
Terry Rozier faces additional charges including bribery in federal gambling probe
Federal prosecutors announced they intend to bring additional charges against Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier by mid-May. The new charges include bribery and wire fraud in addition to the original charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Rozier appeared in court for a motion to dismiss his case but pleaded not guilty to the original charges. Prosecutors alleged he "solicited and accepted a bribe."
Former NBA player Damon Jones pleads guilty to wire fraud conspiracy charges
Damon Jones, 49, a former NBA player who earned more than $20 million during an 11-season career, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud conspiracy on Tuesday in Brooklyn federal court. Jones acknowledged in a prepared statement that he used "insider information" obtained through relationships made during his playing career. He apologized to his family, colleagues, and the NBA. Jones faces sentencing on January 6, 2027, with sentencing guidelines recommending 21-27 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Damon Jones accused of involvement in rigged poker scheme
Jones is accused of participating in an elaborate poker cheating scheme in which wealthy victims were lured to play in rigged games against athletes. According to prosecutors, Jones was used as a 'face card' — a notable person to entice participants. The scheme allegedly involved altered shuffling machines, hidden cameras, special sunglasses, and X-ray equipment built into tables. Jones was paid $2,500 to participate in at least one game in the Hamptons where he was instructed to cheat. The operation allegedly involved illegal poker games run by New York crime families, including the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonanno families.
Damon Jones arrested in connection with gambling schemes
Damon Jones was arrested in October 2024 along with Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in connection with illegal gambling schemes. Jones remains free on bail while awaiting his plea hearing.
Damon Jones accused of selling injury information to sports bettors
Jones is accused of providing non-public information about NBA player injuries to sports bettors. On February 9, 2023, Jones allegedly texted a co-conspirator stating 'Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out' regarding LeBron James' injury status before a Lakers game against the Milwaukee Bucks. James was ruled out due to a lower body injury. Additionally, on January 15, 2024, Jones allegedly received $2,500 from sports bettor Marves Fairley for information that Anthony Davis would have limited playing time against the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading Fairley to place a $100,000 bet.
Federal gambling sweep results in charges against 34 people
Federal authorities charged 34 people across two federal indictments related to illegal gambling schemes involving rigged poker games and sports betting fraud. The indictment includes reputed mobsters and basketball figures. Damon Jones is one of three people charged in both the poker and sports betting schemes. Other notable defendants include Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
Former NBA player Damon Jones expected to plead guilty in gambling cases
Damon Jones, 49, a former NBA player and assistant coach, is expected to plead guilty to federal charges related to illegal gambling schemes. Jones initially pleaded not guilty in November but filed a change-of-plea motion on Thursday. His formal plea hearing is scheduled for May 6 in Brooklyn federal court. He faces charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy in connection with two separate schemes.
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2 alternative perspectives
Jones Guilty Plea Reveals Scope of Fraud Schemes in NBA Investigation
Jones's guilty plea exposes both NBA information-selling and Las Vegas rigged poker schemes within the federal gambling investigation.
Damon Jones Becomes First Defendant to Plead Guilty in NBA Gambling Sweep
Former NBA player Damon Jones pleads guilty to wire fraud conspiracy in federal gambling investigation.
Federal sweep charges 34 people in basketball gambling conspiracy
Federal authorities charged 34 people in expanded basketball gambling conspiracy investigation.
Former NBA Player Damon Jones Faces Gambling-Related Charges
Former NBA player Damon Jones arrested for gambling schemes including selling player injury information.