Ex-NBA Player Damon Jones to Plead Guilty in Gambling Scandal
Former NBA player Damon Jones will plead guilty to federal charges for selling inside information about injured players to professional gamblers. Jones, who played over a decade in the NBA including with the Cleveland Cavaliers, was also accused of rigging high-stakes poker games organized by alleged mafia figures.
Former NBA player Damon Jones plans to plead guilty to federal gambling charges, ending his role in a major sports betting scandal that involved alleged mafia figures.
Jones spent more than a decade playing in the NBA, including time with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Federal prosecutors say he sold inside information about NBA player injuries to professional gamblers, giving them an unfair advantage when placing bets.
The charges also include accusations that Jones participated in rigging high-stakes poker games. He was among dozens of people charged last year in connection with two separate gambling schemes that included alleged mafia figures and other athletes.
After his playing career ended, Jones worked as an assistant coach in the NBA. The Department of Justice first brought these charges against him last fall as part of a broader investigation into sports gambling corruption.
The case highlights growing concerns about gambling's influence on professional sports, especially as more states legalize sports betting and online gambling becomes more popular.
This case shows how gambling corruption can reach the highest levels of professional sports. When players or coaches sell inside information about injuries, it gives some bettors an unfair advantage and undermines trust in games that millions of fans watch and bet on.
Jones is expected to formally enter his guilty plea in federal court. Details about his sentencing date have not been announced.
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