Damon Jones to Plead Guilty in Sports Gambling Insider Info Case

Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones has notified authorities he will change his plea in a federal sports gambling case. The charges were first filed in October 2025 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.

Allegations in the sports gambling case

Prosecutors charged Jones with two federal counts last October. He was accused of selling insider information to sports gamblers while with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The allegations include providing details about LeBron James’ game status. Jones served as an assistant coach and as James’ personal shooting coach during that time.

Plea developments

Jones initially pleaded not guilty after the indictment. His lawyer has since confirmed Jones intends to change that plea.

He is the first of six defendants in the indictment to signal a guilty plea. No court date has been set for the plea hearing.

Related defendants

Former guard Terry Rozier faces charges in the same indictment. Rozier played for the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets during his NBA career.

Separate poker-ring probe

Jones is also charged in a different Department of Justice gambling probe. Federal prosecutors allege he participated in a rigged poker game that siphoned millions from victims.

Authorities say Jones and Chauncey Billups helped lure victims into those games. Billups is a Hall of Famer and former Portland Trail Blazers head coach, prosecutors said.

Jones has pleaded not guilty in the poker-ring case. That matter remains pending in federal court.

What comes next

Court filings and attorney statements indicate Damon Jones to Plead Guilty in Sports Gambling Insider Info Case. The change-of-plea date has not been scheduled.

Filmogaz.com will monitor filings and report further updates as hearings are set and more information becomes public.