Damon Jones has pleaded not guilty.
The former NBA guard entered the plea on charges tied to an alleged rigged poker operation and a separate sports gambling scheme, per Michael R. Sisak of the Associated Press.
Jones was arrested in late October. He is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Thirty people were charged across the two indictments. Jones is one of just three named in both.
This is the case that raised eyebrows inside league circles. Jones is accused of leveraging access and non-public information involving Lakers personnel. Prosecutors allege he sent gamblers inside injury or availability details before they became public.
That includes a Feb. 9, 2023, game vs. Milwaukee in which LeBron James sat out. Prosecutors say Jones texted a co-conspirator to “get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out.”
Jones never officially worked on the Lakers’ coaching staff but was frequently around the team. He is close with James and played with him in Cleveland. He also served as an assistant on Cleveland’s staff during the championship era.
Sports bettor Marves Fairley also pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors say Fairley paid Jones roughly $2,500 for a tip involving the status of Anthony Davis, which turned out to be wrong.
Jones was released on $200,000 bond. His travel is limited to parts of Texas and New York City.
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