By Harshit
NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2025 —
Former NBA guard and assistant coach Damon Jones appeared in a New York courtroom on Thursday, pleading not guilty to multiple charges tied to an alleged gambling and insider-information scheme that has sent shockwaves through the basketball community. Jones, 49, is accused of participating in fixed poker games and supplying confidential player health updates—specifically the injury status of high-profile athletes, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis—to sports bettors for financial gain.
Jones, who played 11 seasons in the NBA and later coached with the Cleveland Cavaliers, was arrested on Oct. 23 alongside several individuals connected to the sports and entertainment world. Prosecutors allege that between December 2022 and 2024, Jones knowingly used his professional access to circulate privileged information that influenced betting markets.
A Former Teammate and Coach of LeBron James
Damon Jones and LeBron James have a long history together. Jones was James’ teammate on the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008, during a period when the franchise was rising to championship contention. Years later, Jones returned to Cleveland as a player development coach from 2016 to 2018, helping to train and advise James and other veteran teammates during the Cavaliers’ run of four straight NBA Finals appearances.
Because of this close connection, the accusations have drawn significant attention. Prosecutors claim that Jones provided inside information regarding the playing status and injury conditions of James, as well as fellow NBA star Anthony Davis, to individuals placing large-scale bets. Such nonpublic information could drastically influence betting odds, particularly in high-profile matchups.
However, prosecutors have clarified that neither James nor Davis is under investigation. Court documents state that neither player had knowledge of or participation in the alleged scheme.
Charges and Court Proceedings
During Thursday’s hearing, Jones stood alongside his attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, who emphasized that his client maintains his innocence.
“My client intends to fight these allegations,” Montgomery told the court, but also acknowledged the possibility of ongoing negotiations, noting that Jones “may be engaging in plea discussions.”
Jones is expected to return to court on Nov. 24 for a preliminary conference alongside other defendants. The case is still under review, and additional charges may be filed as investigators continue to examine financial records and communication logs.
Connection to Other NBA Figures
The case has widened into a broader investigation involving multiple sports personnel. Jones’ arrest occurred on the same day as those of former NBA player Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups. Although the legal details involving Billups and Rozier differ in scope, authorities have stated that all three cases stem from the same long-running gambling probe centered in New York.
Former and current NBA officials have expressed concern about the investigation’s implications for the league’s integrity. While sports betting has become increasingly mainstream and legal in many U.S. states, the NBA, like all major sports leagues, strictly prohibits players, coaches, and staff from gambling on league-related events or sharing sensitive information.
NBA Reaction and Integrity Concerns
The NBA has not issued disciplinary action against Jones at this time. However, a league spokesperson confirmed that the matter is being “closely monitored” and that the organization will “cooperate fully with law enforcement” as the case develops.
Sports analysts note that this case underscores the evolving challenges of legalized sports betting in the digital era. Access to private injury reports—data that can swing multimillion-dollar betting outcomes—makes insider information extremely valuable. Leagues and teams have tightened reporting transparency in recent years, but vulnerabilities remain, particularly among staff and associates with access to locker room discussions, medical assessments, and game-day decisions.
What Comes Next
If convicted, Damon Jones could face significant fines and potential prison time depending on the final scope of charges. For now, he remains free pending his next court appearance.
The case carries broader implications for the NBA, which may consider revising its policies on internal communication, injury disclosures, and staff oversight to reduce the risk of insider-related betting schemes.
As legal proceedings move forward, more details are expected to emerge regarding the depth of Jones’ involvement and whether others in the league may also face scrutiny.