Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones has entered a plea of not guilty to two charges linked to his participation in an alleged gambling scandal. The charges arise from claims that Jones provided insider information to a co-conspirator who used the data for betting on NBA games. Additionally, another charge alleges that he conned fellow athletes into participating in rigged poker games run by the mafia, for which he took a share of the proceeds.

In one instance, Jones reportedly sent a text on February 9, 2023, stating, “Get a big bet on Milwaukee before the information is out! [Player 3] is out tonight.” This message occurred just before the game when LeBron James was ruled out due to injury.

In a separate case, Jones and Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups are accused of enticing players into poker games organized by the mafia, where the operation was reported to include rigged shuffling machines and marked cards.

Terry Rozier, a player for the Miami Heat, was also implicated in the scandal for allegedly leaking insider information to aid fellow conspirators in betting on NBA games. Currently, neither Billups nor Rozier has filed a plea; both are expected to appear in court on November 24.

While the legal issues continue for these athletes, Billups is now on suspension, with Tiago Splitter filling in as the interim coach for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Conversely, Rozier has been placed on unpaid suspension, though the NBPA is contesting this action, arguing it contradicts the presumed innocence of the accused.

Just prior to Jones’ plea, NBA officials engaged with congressional staff members to review the ongoing gambling scandals and the league’s associations with various sportsbooks.