Former NBA player Damon Jones pleads not guilty in federal gambling case
Allegations involve insider information and high-stakes poker manipulation.
Former NBA player Damon Jones has entered not-guilty pleas in two federal cases accusing him of participating in illegal betting and poker game manipulation schemes.
Jones, 49, who played 11 seasons in the NBA and later served as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, appeared in federal court in Brooklyn on Thursday.
Through his attorney Kenneth Montgomery, Jones pleaded not guilty in both cases. U.S. District Judge Ramon Reyes agreed to pause one case until 24 November to allow the defense to review evidence and consider plea discussions.
Prosecutors allege Jones and Portland Trailblazers coach Chauncey Billups took part in a poker scheme that used barcoded cards, modified shuffling machines and hidden cameras to control game outcomes.
Court documents state Jones and Billups were used as “face cards” which are recognisable players meant to attract high-profile victims.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said the accused turned professional basketball “into a criminal betting operation” that relied on insider access for profit.
If convicted of wire fraud conspiracy, Jones and Billups each face up to 30 years in prison. In recent years, the NBA has faced multiple investigations into betting-related incidents involving players.
In early 2025, federal prosecutors launched an inquiry into suspicious betting activity linked to Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, following claims that “inside information” was used to predict his early exit from a 2023 game. Rozier is scheduled to be arraigned December 8 and Billups is due in court November 24.
The probe mirrors the 2024 scandal surrounding former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter, who received a lifetime ban from the league after officials determined he provided insider details about his health status to bettors and wagered on NBA games himself.
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