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Damon Jones Pleads Not Guilty in NBA Injury Betting and Rigged Poker Cases

Prosecutors say the case tests safeguards around NBA injury information.

Overview

  • Jones entered not guilty pleas in Brooklyn to wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges tied to alleged insider sports betting and a mafia-linked poker ring.
  • He was released on a $200,000 bond secured by his parents’ Texas home with orders not to gamble and to avoid contact with co-defendants, witnesses and organized crime.
  • Judge Ramon Reyes noted potential plea negotiations, and Jones is due back with co-defendants for a preliminary conference on Nov. 24.
  • Charging documents cite a Feb. 9, 2023 text urging a bet on Milwaukee before LeBron James’ scratch became public and describe a $2,500 payment for a January 2024 tip about Anthony Davis that proved wrong.
  • Prosecutors allege rigged poker games used altered shufflers, hidden cameras and X‑ray tables to net more than $7 million, with Jones and other athletes serving as “face cards” in a sweep that also charged Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier.