The “Best Shooter in the World” Folds: Damon Jones to Plead Guilty in NBA Gambling Scandal
The basketball world was rocked this week as court filings revealed that former NBA guard and assistant coach Damon Jones is expected to become the first person to plead guilty in a massive federal gambling sweep.
Jones, 49, who once famously proclaimed himself the “best shooter in the world,” is now at the center of a sprawling investigation involving more than 30 defendants, including Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and reputed members of several New York crime families.
The Two-Pronged Scheme
Jones isn’t just facing one set of charges; he is one of only three individuals indicted in two separate, yet equally explosive, criminal conspiracies:
1. The Inside Information Racket
Prosecutors allege that Jones leveraged his close personal ties to NBA superstars—specifically his former teammate LeBron James and Anthony Davis—to feed nonpublic injury data to high-stakes bettors.
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The Bucks Tip: In February 2023, Jones allegedly texted a co-conspirator to “get a big bet on Milwaukee” because James was sitting out. James was later ruled out with an ankle injury, and the Lakers lost.
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The Davis “Dud”: In January 2024, a bettor allegedly paid Jones $2,500 for a tip that Anthony Davis would have limited minutes against the Thunder. That tip proved wrong—Davis put up 27 points and 15 rebounds—leading the disgruntled bettor to demand a refund.
2. The Rigged Poker Games
The second indictment reads like a Hollywood heist script. Jones is accused of acting as a “face card”—a celebrity lure used to bring wealthy “marks” into high-stakes poker games in locations like the Hamptons. These games were allegedly rigged using:
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X-ray equipment built into the tables.
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Special sunglasses and hidden cameras to see through cards.
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Altered shuffling machines.
According to the indictment, Jones was even instructed on how to cheat, with handlers telling him to fold when in doubt and compare the “fixers” to elite players like Steph Curry. Jones’ alleged response? “Y’all know I know what I’m doing!!”
Mob Ties and Violent Enforcement
Perhaps the most chilling aspect of the case is the alleged involvement of the Gambino, Genovese, and Bonanno crime families. Prosecutors claim the illegal poker rings operated under the protection of these families, who took a cut of the profits. In exchange, the mob provided “muscle” to ensure debts were paid through assault, extortion, and robbery.
What Happens Next?
While Jones originally pleaded not guilty, a court filing on Thursday, April 16, 2026, confirmed that a change-of-plea hearing is now scheduled for April 28 in Brooklyn federal court.
Despite the looming guilty plea, Jones’ attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, has been firm on one point: “He is not cooperating.” This suggests that while Jones may be taking responsibility for his own actions, he may not be prepared to testify against the other big names or organized crime figures caught in the net.
The Fall of a “Shooting Consultant”
For a man who earned over $20 million during an 11-year playing career and reached the mountaintop as an assistant coach for the 2016 champion Cavaliers, this is a stunning fall from grace. Jones was once the ultimate locker room “vibe curator” and a trusted confidant to the game’s greatest players. Now, he faces federal charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.
As the first domino to fall in this investigation, Jones’ plea on April 28 could set the tone for the dozens of other defendants waiting in the wings. For the NBA, it’s a stark reminder of the dark side of the sports betting boom.
