NEW YORK (AP) — Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges he profited from rigged poker games and provided sports bettors with non-public information about injuries to stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Jones, a one-time teammate of James, remained silent except to allow his court-appointed lawyer to enter not guilty pleas during his arraignment in Brooklyn. The case arises from a federal crackdown on widespread gambling operations that occurred last month.
The court has set bail conditions requiring his parents to secure a $200,000 bond for his release as he awaits trial. In upcoming proceedings, his lawyer mentioned that they may explore plea negotiations.
Jones was arrested alongside over 30 others, including renowned figures in basketball and reputed mobsters. Notably, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were also detained during the operation.
Marves Fairley, a sports bettor, has similarly pleaded not guilty, having allegedly profited from insider injury information that Jones may have provided.
During his NBA career, Jones earned over $20 million playing for multiple teams and served as an unofficial assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2022-2023 season. His alleged involvement in selling injury tips as well as participating in a poker scheme has raised serious concerns among the NBA community.
According to prosecutors, Jones attempted to manipulate the betting lines by providing tips that James would miss games due to injuries, encouraging high-stakes betting on opposing teams.
In poker games promoted through illegal channels, Jones is said to have been involved in rigging with altered equipment. Court documents suggest he was instructed on cheating techniques and to rely on observations of other players for success.
