Damon Jones to plead guilty in major gambling case involving NBA insider information and illegal games

Former NBA guard Damon Jones is set to become the first person to admit guilt in a major gambling case that has pulled in more than 30 people, including well-known names from basketball and alleged crime groups. His court hearing is now scheduled for April 28 in Brooklyn after being moved up from early May.

Jones had earlier denied the charges, but talks with prosecutors seem to have changed direction. He is accused of being part of both a sports betting scheme and illegal poker games where results were controlled.

According to investigators, Jones shared inside injury details about stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis with bettors before that information became public. In one case, he allegedly told someone to “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out,” hinting that James would miss a game.

That game later played out as expected, with James ruled out and the Los Angeles Lakers losing to the Milwaukee Bucks. But not every tip worked. In another situation, a bettor lost a huge amount after being told Davis would play limited minutes, which did not happen.

Jones is also linked to high-stakes poker games where players were unknowingly cheated. These games used special setups like hidden cameras and altered equipment to control outcomes. He was reportedly paid to take part and follow instructions during those games. At one point, he even sent a message saying, “y’all know I know what I’m doing!!”

The case also connects to larger crime operations in New York, where illegal gambling was tied to organized groups handling money and enforcing payments.

Jones, who played over a decade in the NBA and later worked as a coach, remains out on bail for now. His expected guilty plea could be a key step in a case that is still unfolding.