NEW YORK (AP) — Damon Jones, a former NBA player and assistant coach, pleaded not guilty in federal court Thursday to charges of profiting from rigged poker games and leaking non-public information about injuries to star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The 49-year-old, who was once James' teammate in Cleveland, remained mostly silent during his arraignment, allowing his court-appointed lawyer to enter his pleas for two separate cases linked to a broader federal investigation into extensive gambling operations.
Jones confirmed his understanding of the charges and agreed to bail conditions, which included his mother and stepfather offering their Texas home as collateral for a $200,000 bond, enabling him to stay free before trial.
His attorney Kenneth Montgomery informed the court that they are considering plea negotiations, with a preliminary conference involving other defendants set for November 24.
The investigation arrested over 30 individuals, including notable figures from the basketball world like Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
Marves Fairley, a sports bettor implicated in the case, also pleaded not guilty, accused of taking advantage of information about NBA injuries, some allegedly provided by Jones.
Jones had an illustrious NBA journey, earning more than $20 million over a career that spanned 11 seasons with 10 teams from 1999 to 2009. He was a shooting consultant for the Cavaliers and briefly served as an assistant coach for the Lakers.
Prosecutors allege that Jones attempted to sell insights about player injuries to bettors. In one instance, he texted a co-conspirator to place a significant wager on the Milwaukee Bucks against the Lakers, leveraging an insider tip about James not playing due to an injury.
Although James wasn't initially reported as injured, further developments did lead to him sitting out the game, which the Lakers lost.
In a different instance, Fairley reportedly paid Jones $2,500 for information about Davis' playing time, only to find the information incorrect, leading to a failed $100,000 bet against the Lakers.
Jones is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. The case's implications extend to links with organized crime and illegal gambling operations.
Prosecutors suggest that Jones played a role in rigging poker games by enticing unwitting participants with the promise of a fair game, only for it to be manipulated using advanced cheating techniques.
