Ex-NBA guard Damon Jones expected to plead guilty in federal gambling case

Former NBA guard Damon Jones is expected to change his plea to guilty in a federal illegal gambling case, according to reports from Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic and Michael R. Sisak of Associated Press.

Jones had previously pleaded not guilty to charges that include wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. That stance is now shifting as the case moves forward, with a court appearance expected in the coming weeks.

He is among nearly three dozen individuals arrested as part of a sweeping federal investigation into illegal sports gambling. Prosecutors allege Jones played a role in both a rigged poker operation and a separate scheme involving inside information provided to bettors.

Two other NBA names surfaced in the investigation. Chauncey Billups was charged in connection to the poker allegations, while Terry Rozier was charged in the information-related case.

Jones, notably, was one of a small group of defendants named in both indictments.

Though he never held an official role with the Lakers, Jones maintained close ties to LeBron James and was frequently around the team. According to prosecutors, that access became part of the case.

One example cited centers on a February 2023 game between the Lakers and Bucks, when James was sidelined. Jones allegedly tipped off a co-conspirator ahead of the news becoming public.

“Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out,” he wrote in a text message, per the reports.

Now, the legal process appears to be entering its next phase, with Jones expected to formally acknowledge his role.