Introduction to the Scandal
When former NBA player Damon Jones, who has been accused of feeding inside information to sports gamblers, first filed for bankruptcy in 2013, he had to list his Yorkshire Terrier as an asset. The unnamed pooch was valued, according to the court documents, at just $1. A decade later, Jones was a few months away from being evicted from a luxury Houston apartment building when prosecutors allege he texted a co-conspirator and urged him to bet on the Milwaukee Bucks against the Los Angeles because a top Lakers player, believed to be LeBron James, was out with an injury.
The Rise to Prominence
Jones went from relative anonymity as a former NBA player and coach to the forefront of one of the biggest gambling scandals in modern sports when he was named by federal prosecutors last week in two separate indictments allegedly involving gambling and fixed, mob-linked poker games. NBC News reviewed more than 150 pages of court documents from Jones, including financial forms, spanning more than a decade that show persistent financial problems for the ex-athlete. In addition to the eviction proceedings, Jones listed his 2016 NBA championship ring as collateral for a personal loan and was hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt.
Operation Nothing But Bet and Operation Royal Flush
“Operation Nothing But Bet” is one of two sprawling federal investigations into illegal gambling that were unveiled Oct. 23, the other being a probe of rigged high-stakes poker games allegedly backed by the Mafia called “Operation Royal Flush” which led to the arrests of several people, including Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups. Prosecutors said the evidence in the latter case includes “financial records, telephone records, cellphone records and texts, cellphone extractions and location information, the contents of Apple iCloud accounts, witness testimony, and surveillance photographs.”
Jones’ Financial Woes
Jones has yet to enter a plea, but is due in federal court for his arraignment in New York. Jones’ lawyer declined to comment. Jones’ current address, according to available records, appears to be the Houston apartment that a property management company tried to evict him from in June 2023, claiming he owed around $5,600 in rent, records show. The management company dismissed the case after Jones failed to appear in court. But in August 2023, the company filed another eviction notice against Jones, this time claiming he owed more than $11,000 in back rent.
History of Bankruptcy and Debt
Jones’ financial woes go back at least to 2013, when his initial bankruptcy case was dismissed. Two years later, Jones filed for bankruptcy again and this time, according to court records, he reported $500,000 to $1 million in liabilities and claimed to have assets in the range of $100,001 to $500,000. Jones, those records showed, owed around $640,000 to creditors and $47,000 to the Bellagio Hotels and Casino for “breach of contract/confession of judgement.”
Other Accusations and Arrests
Jones was one of more than 30 people arrested in the operations. Also nabbed was Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who is accused of faking an injury to take himself out of a game in 2023 when he played for the Charlotte Hornets, giving a heads up to a friend who, in turn, “sold that tip” to gamblers betting on that Hornets versus New Orleans Pelicans game. Like Jones, Rozier is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. And like Jones, Rozier too, has had money problems.
Conclusion
The cases of Damon Jones and Terry Rozier highlight the deep financial troubles that some athletes face, even after achieving success in their careers. The allegations of involvement in illegal gambling activities underscore the risks and consequences of such actions, not only for the individuals involved but also for the integrity of sports.
FAQs
- Q: What is Damon Jones accused of?
A: Damon Jones is accused of feeding inside information to sports gamblers and involvement in illegal gambling activities. - Q: What is Operation Nothing But Bet?
A: Operation Nothing But Bet is a federal investigation into illegal gambling, one of two such investigations unveiled on Oct. 23. - Q: Who else was arrested in the operations?
A: Among those arrested were Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. - Q: What are the charges against Jones and Rozier?
A: Both Jones and Rozier are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. - Q: What is the status of Jones’ and Rozier’s cases?
A: Both Jones and Rozier have yet to enter a plea and are due in federal court for their arraignments.
