Damon Jones expected to plead guilty in pair of alleged gambling cases
Damon Jones was among dozens of people, including alleged mafia figures and athletes, charged last year in connection with a pair of gambling schemes.
Updated on: April 16, 2026 / 12:58 PM EDT / CBS News
Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones is expected to plead guilty in two cases alleging his involvement in illegal gambling rings, according to a court order entered Thursday.
Jones initially pleaded not guilty on Nov. 6. The new plea was referred from the judge overseeing the case in Brooklyn federal court to Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo.
Jones is accused of sharing or attempting to share inside information with bettors. The sports betting indictment alleges the former Cleveland Cavaliers guard gave others a tip about "a prominent NBA player," who appears to be LeBron James , a former teammate and longtime friend. James is not accused of any wrongdoing.
Jones allegedly sent a text message to a co-conspirator on Feb. 9, 2023, saying: "Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out! [Player 3] is out tonight." James missed the Lakers' game that night against the Milwaukee Bucks due to ankle soreness.