Damon Jones, a former NBA player and assistant coach, is scheduled to appear in federal court later this month as part of a wide-ranging gambling investigation that has implicated dozens of individuals. Court filings indicate that Jones, 49, has change-of-plea hearings set for April 28 in Brooklyn, where he is expected to revise his earlier not guilty pleas in at least one of the cases against him.

The proceedings stem from two separate federal indictments accusing Jones of involvement in illegal sports betting and rigged poker operations. Authorities have charged more than 30 people across both cases, including professional athletes and individuals alleged to have ties to organized crime. Jones is among a small group of defendants named in both indictments.

Initially, Jones denied the charges when he entered a not guilty plea in November 2025. The upcoming hearing signals a shift in his legal strategy, though his attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, stated, “He is not cooperating.” Federal prosecutors have not commented publicly on the case.

Allegations Involving Insider Information and Betting Activity

According to ESPN, prosecutors allege that Jones used access to nonpublic information to assist sports bettors. According to court documents, one instance involved a February 9, 2023, game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks. Jones allegedly informed associates that LeBron James would not play, despite the player not appearing on the official injury report at the time.

In a text message cited in the indictment, Jones wrote: “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out.” He also urged associates to wager enough money so he could share in any winnings. James ultimately missed the game due to a lower-body injury, and the Lakers lost 115-106.

Authorities say bettors used that information to profit. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. described the alleged conduct, stating, “As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, using private locker room and medical information to enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks,” adding, “This was a sophisticated conspiracy involving athletes, coaches, and intermediaries who exploited confidential information for profit.”

A separate allegation involves a January 2024 transaction in which a bettor paid Jones approximately $2,500 for information about Anthony Davis’ expected playing time. The bettor placed a $100,000 wager based on the tip, anticipating reduced minutes for Davis. However, Davis played a full game, scoring 27 points and recording 15 rebounds in a Lakers victory. The bettor later sought a refund, though prosecutors say Jones maintained the information had been credible.

Poker Scheme Allegations and Broader Investigation

In addition to the sports betting accusations, Jones is also charged in a separate case involving rigged poker games. Prosecutors claim that he and others helped lure players into games that were manipulated using specialized equipment, including altered card shuffling devices, concealed cameras, and tables equipped with advanced technology.

Jones is described in the indictment as a “face card,” meaning a recognizable figure used to attract participants to the games. According to investigators, these poker operations were connected to illegal gambling networks linked to organized crime families, which allegedly received a share of the proceeds.

Court documents further allege that participants in the scheme relied on tactics designed to ensure winnings, including coordination among players and instructions on when to fold or continue betting. In one exchange cited by prosecutors, Jones responded to guidance from co-conspirators by texting: “y’all know I know what I’m doing!!”

Authorities also claim that individuals tied to the broader operation engaged in crimes such as extortion and robbery to enforce debts and maintain control over the gambling activities.

Career Background and Ongoing Proceedings

Jones played 11 seasons in the NBA from 1999 to 2009, appearing for 10 teams and earning more than $20 million during his career. He spent part of his playing years alongside LeBron James in Cleveland and later worked in a coaching capacity, including serving as an unofficial assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-23 season.

Following his playing career, he also worked as a shooting consultant and was part of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ coaching staff when the team won the NBA championship in 2016.

Despite the charges, Jones remains free on bail as the legal process continues. His upcoming court appearance is expected to provide further clarity on how he intends to proceed in at least one of the cases, while the broader investigation involving multiple defendants remains ongoing.