Jones is ready to take a plea deal in a federal case involving gambling
Damon Jones, a former NBA player and assistant coach, took a plea deal. He was the first person in the federal gambling investigation that led to more than twenty charges to do so.
Jones, 49, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a federal court in Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday. This came one day after Terry Rozier, a former guard for the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat, learned that he was being charged with more crimes. “I would like to sincerely apologize to the court, my family, my peers, and also the National Basketball Association,” Jones said in a short statement in court.
Jones admitted to taking part in what the FBI called “Operation Royal Flush” and being a “face card” in at least three rigged poker games from October 2020 to September 2023. He said that two of the games were held in Miami, and he played even though he knew they were fixed.
The prosecution showed proof that Jones was at all three games. This included witness statements, text messages found on seized cell phones and iCloud accounts, and wire activity found in money moves between states. The prosecution said that the study found technology that made it easy to cheat without being caught.
The sentencing date was set for January 2027.
Jones pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph Marutollo on Tuesday in two different federal cases: U.S. v. Earnest and U.S. v. Aiello.
Before the trial at the end of last year, the prison sentence ranged from five years to 78 months. Jones decided on Tuesday to give up at least $38,000 that was linked to the money he won in the scheme.
Jones played in the NBA for 11 years and crossed paths with LeBron James in Cleveland and Miami. He later coached the Lakers without a title. Authorities said he shared private information, such as at least one instance of James’ injury status against the Milwaukee Bucks, with a professional gaming ring in order to get money.
In that case, the term is no longer than 27 months.
Jones first said he wasn’t guilty in December. He can get up to two years off because he agreed to a plea deal.
