NEW YORK (AP) — Damon Jones, once hailed as one of the NBA’s best shooters and an assistant coach who helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win their only championship in 2016, has found himself in serious trouble. After his playing and coaching career, he admitted in court to using his fame for illegal gains through sports betting and rigged poker games.
At 49, Jones becomes the first individual to plead guilty in a larger gambling operation that reportedly involves over 30 arrests, including known mobsters and other basketball figures.
In recent hearings in federal court, Jones pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. His actions targeted major sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel, along with unwitting poker players, costing millions.
Jones confessed that he took advantage of “insider information” gained through his past as a player. This included details about NBA injuries that he used to gain an unfair edge in bets. He expressed remorse, apologizing to the court, his family, peers, and the NBA.
The conspiracy, which spanned from December 2022 to March 2024, exploited sensitive information about players, including his former teammate, LeBron James. Jones admitted that these actions not only broke the law but also violated NBA regulations and sportsbooks’ terms of service.
### Cheating in Poker Games
During the second hearing, he revealed he was paid to act as a “face card” in poker games, using his celebrity status to attract high-stakes players to rigged tables. He acknowledged that he knew players were being cheated and again expressed his regret.
Jones is currently out on bail. His sentencing is slated for early next year, where he could face significant prison time. In the sports betting case, guidelines suggest he could receive 21 to 27 months. The poker case, however, carries more severe penalties due to the number of victims, which may lead to a sentence ranging from 48 to 63 months.
### A Wider Impact
Interestingly, gambling in sports is under increased scrutiny. Recent research shows that legal sports betting in the U.S. has skyrocketed since the Supreme Court lifted federal restrictions in 2018. In 2022 alone, Americans wagered over $93 billion on sports (source: American Gaming Association). This growth raises questions about integrity and regulation in sports. Experts like Brian McCarthy, spokesperson for the NBA, have stressed the importance of maintaining transparency and fairness in the industry.
Jones’s case is particularly notable as he is intertwined with ongoing investigations that include significant figures from both sports and organized crime. His actions bring to light broader issues surrounding gambling in professional athletics.
In the meantime, public reaction has been strong on social media, with many expressing disbelief that a former player would exploit his connections in such a way. This incident gives fuel to an ongoing debate about sports ethics in a rapidly changing gambling landscape.
Jones’s career, once celebrated, now serves as a cautionary tale—a reminder of the fine line between competition and corruption in sports.
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