Damon Jones Arrested in FBI’s Wide-Ranging NBA Gambling Investigation
In a startling development for the sports world, former NBA guard and coach Damon Jones has been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as part of a sweeping illegal gambling investigation that also implicates Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and organized-crime families. Dallas News+3CBS Sports+3People.com+3
Who Is Damon Jones and What’s He Charged With?
Background on Damon Jones
Damon Jones is a former NBA player whose career spanned from 1999 to 2010 with ten teams, and later served as an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Dallas News+2Wikipedia+2
The Arrest and the Allegations
Jones was taken into custody in Las Vegas as part of a federal crackdown. The investigation involves two separate but overlapping schemes:
- A sports-betting conspiracy where insider NBA information was allegedly used. Newsweek+1
- An illegal poker operation tied to major mafia families that used rigged games and advanced cheating technology. People.com+2Heavy Sports+2
Jones is alleged to have acted as a “face card” in the poker scheme and provided inside knowledge regarding NBA games. Heavy Sports+2KATV+2
Charges Reported So Far
While full indictments are still being unsealed, charges include wire-fraud conspiracy, money-laundering conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling enterprise, and extortion. Newsweek+1
Connection to Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and the Broader NBA Gambling Scandal
Billups and Rozier’s Role
Coach Chauncey Billups of the Portland Trail Blazers was arrested for involvement in the illegal poker ring; Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat is accused of providing insider information for betting schemes. ESPN.com+1
Mafia Ties and Scope of the Scheme
The FBI says the gambling operation spanned 11 states and generated “tens of millions of dollars,” involving multiple New York mafia families including the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese organizations. Newsweek+1
Implications for the NBA and the Sports-Betting Industry
Integrity of the Game Under Threat
This scandal underscores the increasing risk to professional sports’ integrity as betting becomes more pervasive. The NBA has responded by emphasizing cooperation with law enforcement and that the integrity of the game remains its “top priority”. CBS Sports
Regulatory and Legal Fallout
Expect enhanced scrutiny of sports-betting practices, stricter internal monitoring by leagues, and potentially new legislation targeting insider-information betting. This case could become a watershed moment in sports law.
What Happens Next for Damon Jones and the Investigation?
- Jones and the other defendants will face federal arraignments; more names and details will likely emerge as indictments are unsealed. Newsweek+1
- The NBA and teams may initiate internal investigations and take disciplinary action pending legal outcomes.
- The scandal may prompt immediate policy changes within the NBA and related betting-monitoring entities.
Summary
In short: Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones has been arrested in a sprawling FBI investigation into illegal sports-betting and rigged poker games tied to organized crime. Alongside Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier, the case highlights deep vulnerabilities in the NBA’s gambling oversight and promises major repercussions for professional sports.