Former NBA player Damon Jones became the first defendant to plead guilty in a pair of federal indictments involving 34 individuals, including alleged ties to organized crime and other NBA figures. Jones, 49, was charged in both indictments: one focused on rigged poker games targeting wealthy victims, and the other on sports betting using insider information. He pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud conspiracy in Brooklyn federal court on Tuesday, acknowledging he used "insider information" obtained from his relationships as a former player. In his statement, Jones apologized to his family, colleagues, and the NBA.
Prosecutors accused Jones of sending tips about NBA player injuries to benefit gamblers. One instance involved a tip about a "prominent NBA player"—widely believed to be LeBron James—not playing in a game due to an ankle injury. James was not accused of wrongdoing. Another tip allegedly involved Anthony Davis, though the information backfired when Davis performed well. Jones was also implicated in a 2019 rigged poker game in Las Vegas using a "shuffling machine" altered to read cards.
Meanwhile, Terry Rozier, a Miami Heat player, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges. Prosecutors indicated they plan to file additional charges, including bribery and wire fraud, against Rozier by mid-May. Rozier’s attorneys argue the charges are based on an invalid legal theory and plan to challenge the superseding indictment. Rozier was accused of soliciting and receiving a bribe in connection with a 2023 game where he played less than 10 minutes, citing a foot injury. Authorities allege he tipped a childhood friend about his limited playing time, leading to high-stakes bets on his poor performance.