Introduction to the Scandal
Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones is accused of taking part in a sports betting scandal in which he allegedly shared nonpublic information about Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Jones was named in an unsealed indictment Thursday as part of a widespread gambling investigation that federal officials have dubbed Operation Nothing But Bet. The indictment, filed in the U.S. District of Court for the Eastern District of New York, accused six suspects of participating in a scheme to defraud betting companies.
The Indictment and Its Allegations
Two incidents from the indictment suggest that Jones tipped off his alleged conspirators to injuries involving James and Davis before the information was made public. By February 2023, Jones had been either a teammate or a coach of an unnamed player at various times while Jones played on the Cleveland Cavaliers and later coached for the Lakers, the indictment said. That relationship allowed him access to “non-public information” about that player’s medical status on Feb. 9, 2023, when the Lakers were playing the Milwaukee Bucks, it continued.
The LeBron James Incident
Jones allegedly texted his co-conspirator that the player would be out that night and to “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out!” according to the indictment. LeBron James, power forward for the Lakers, was out that night due to a sore left ankle and foot, according to a game recap. It’s unclear how much money Jones potentially received for the tip, but the Bucks did defeat the Lakers that night.
The Anthony Davis Incident
Jones also allegedly sold other nonpublic information about a Lakers player to conspirators that led to a $100,000 bet against the team during a Jan. 15, 2024, game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. According to the indictment, Jones gave away information about an athlete identified only as Player 4 being injured before the game. The information was not public at the time and the bet was made hours before the player was listed as “probable” in the NBA’s injury report. Anthony Davis was the only Lakers player listed as probable on the injury report from that day.
Charges and Aftermath
The former NBA star has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. It’s unclear whether Jones has retained an attorney. Jones was arrested Thursday but court records do not yet list an appearance date for him.
Conclusion
The allegations against Damon Jones highlight the ongoing issue of sports betting scandals in professional sports. The case against Jones is a reminder that the integrity of sports is crucial, and any attempts to compromise it will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the NBA and other sports leagues respond to these allegations and what measures they will take to prevent similar incidents in the future.
FAQs
- Q: What is Damon Jones accused of?
A: Damon Jones is accused of taking part in a sports betting scandal, allegedly sharing nonpublic information about Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. - Q: What is Operation Nothing But Bet?
A: Operation Nothing But Bet is a widespread gambling investigation by federal officials that led to the indictment of six suspects, including Damon Jones, for participating in a scheme to defraud betting companies. - Q: What are the charges against Damon Jones?
A: Damon Jones has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. - Q: What is the current status of Damon Jones?
A: Jones was arrested but court records do not yet list an appearance date for him, and it’s unclear whether he has retained an attorney.
