Damon Jones, a former professional basketball player, has recently entered a not guilty plea on stalking and other charges. These counts stem from his purported role in a massive illegal gambling ring that included fixed poker games and leaking insider info on NBA superstar injuries. At his arraignment on November 24, 2023, these were the serious allegations leveled against him. Together, these charges amounted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to launder money.
The court proceedings uncovered sickening details. Jones had already collected about $2,500 from Marves Fairley in return for advanced notice of Anthony Davis’ restricted minutes in the game vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 15, 2024. This incident is only the tip of the iceberg of the alleged illegal conduct that led to Jones’ arrest. Law enforcement arrested 34 others in the op that largely focused on busting unlicensed gambling houses.
Jones, who played for ten NBA teams over 11 seasons from 1999 to 2009 and earned over $20 million, had a notable career highlighted by his time with LeBron James in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008. Jones served as an unofficial assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers during their 2022-2023 season. This experience allowed him to deepen his connections to the NBA even further.
Among the most troubling revelations from the investigation was an exchange in which Jones texted an unnamed co-conspirator urging them to “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out,” referencing LeBron James’ injury status. At the same time, this message underscores the seriousness of the allegations that he has pursued them. It implies that he actively sought to enrich himself through the use of insider information.
The gambling operation allegedly employed high-tech methods. They purportedly used manipulated shuffling machines, concealed cameras, and X-ray devices embedded in poker tables. These factors all indicate a deeply-orchestrated plan to rig the process and mislead stakeholders.
Under his bail arrangement, Jones’s travel is limited to certain areas of Texas and New York City. His mom and his stepdad released him by placing their Texas house up for him as collateral on a $200,000 bail bond. The restrictions are an acknowledgment of the serious nature of the charges he is facing and how dire the repercussions would be should he be convicted.
Jones’ attorney Kenneth Montgomery suggested that plea discussions were in play. He indicated that there was a possibility that these discussions could lead to an agreement without having to go through a complete trial. This core legal team is still very much focused on Jones’ ongoing defense against these monumental accusations.
During that time in court, Jones continued to pose as the victim, proclaiming to the courts that “y’all know that I know what I’m doing!! His statements are based on his confidence in his defense in denying the charges.
As the case continues to develop, countless members of the basketball community are rooting for a positive outcome. Jones’ ramifications may not be clear yet, but they would be extensive. In so doing, they may be endangering the integrity of professional sports gambling itself.
Jones is due back to court for a preliminary conference with co-defendants November 24. As the case plays out in court, it is unclear what the consequences will be for Jones or the other participants in this scheme.
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