Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Ex-NBA Player Damon Jones Pleads Not Guilty in Betting and Fraud Schemes
A former basketball player named Damon Jones is in trouble with the law.
He's accused of telling people secrets about when players were too injured to play games so they could bet money and win.
He's also accused of being part of a group that ran fake poker games to trick people out of lots of money.
Damon says he didn't do it and pleaded 'not guilty' in court.
His parents helped him get out of jail by promising their house as a guarantee.
Another person, Robert Stroud, is also accused of helping with the fake poker games.
This whole situation is making people think more about whether athletes should be allowed to bet on games and if players are involved in cheating.
Former NBA player Damon Jones pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
Jones is accused of providing insider injury information to sports bettors, including details about LeBron James' absence from a game.
He is also linked to a conspiracy involving rigged poker games in several cities where victims allegedly lost millions.
Jones was released on a $200,000 bond secured by his parents' home.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about NBA betting policies and the integrity of professional sports.
- Who
- Former NBA player Damon Jones and co-defendant Robert Stroud
- What
- Jones pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering related to insider betting and rigged poker games. Co-defendant Stroud is charged with conspiracy related to a heist for a rigged shuffle machine.
- When
- November 6, 2025 (court appearance)
- Where
- Brooklyn (court appearance); allegations involve Miami, Manhattan, Las Vegas, and East Hampton
- Why
- Allegedly to profit from insider information on athlete injuries for betting and to defraud victims in rigged poker games.
Prosecution's Allegations
Defense's Position
Insider Betting Scheme
Prosecution's Allegations
Damon Jones is accused of providing insider information about athlete injuries, specifically LeBron James' absence due to injury, to help co-conspirators place successful bets on the Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers game.
Defense's Position
Damon Jones has pleaded not guilty to all charges, indicating a denial of the prosecution's allegations of his involvement in a betting scheme.
Rigged Poker Games
Prosecution's Allegations
Jones and other athletes allegedly lured victims into fake poker games in multiple cities, from which millions of dollars were scammed.
Defense's Position
Jones' lawyer hinted at potential plea deal negotiations, suggesting a willingness to resolve the case but not admitting guilt to the charges as presented.
Co-defendant's Role
Prosecution's Allegations
Co-defendant Robert Stroud is charged with conspiracy for allegedly planning a heist to obtain a rigged shuffle machine used in the illicit poker games.
Defense's Position
Robert Stroud also pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
- Defendant
- Damon Jones
- Former Affiliation
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
- Charges
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and involvement in rigged poker games
- Plea
- Not Guilty
- Bond Amount
- $200,000
- Court Location
- Brooklyn
- Specific Game Mentioned
- Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers on February 9, 2023