A sweeping federal indictment has placed former NBA player and assistant Damon Jones at the center of an alleged illegal sports betting scheme one that prosecutors say involved leaking non public injury information about Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis to bettors.
Jones, 41, was criminally charged in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, New York, as part of a massive investigation that the FBI says spanned several years, multiple NBA markets, and even organized crime networks.
According to newly unsealed documents, Jones allegedly provided privileged health status updates about James and Davis to individuals who used the information to place fraudulent wagers worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Leaked Injury Details Before NBA Games
The indictment alleges the following:
• February 2023 LeBron James Injury Leak
Federal prosecutors say Jones supplied bettors with insider updates on James’ injury status before a Lakers game, giving them a competitive edge to place informed wagers.
• January 2024 Anthony Davis “Probable” Status Leak
Documents claim Jones told a co defendant that a player identified only as “Player 4” was “probable” before a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
PEOPLE confirmed Davis was the only Lakers player listed as “probable” that night.
Using that information, one bettor reportedly placed a $100,000 wager against the Lakers.
However, the Lakers won the game in spite of Davis’ injuries.
Neither LeBron James nor Anthony Davis is accused of wrongdoing, nor are they named directly in the indictment.
How the Scheme Allegedly Worked
According to prosecutors, from December 2022 to March 2024, six key defendants Eric Earnest, Marves Fairley, Shane Hennen, Damon Jones, Deniro Laster, and Terry Rozier worked together to:
- Obtain confidential NBA injury information
- Use that information to place fraudulent wagers
- Share the intel with additional bettors
- Launder the financial proceeds
The indictment states that Jones was acting as an unofficial Lakers coach in 2023, leveraging access to players, practices, and internal medical updates.
It also notes Jones’ long time relationship with LeBron James they played together on the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Jones later held staff roles on teams connected to James.
The FBI: “Historic Arrests Across the NBA and La Cosa Nostra”
At a press conference, FBI director Kash Patel described the bust as one of the most significant gambling related operations ever tied to professional sports:
“This was an illegal gambling and sports-rigging enterprise that spanned years.
Over 30 individuals across 11 states were arrested today, including current and former NBA coaches and players.”
Among those arrested in the broader investigation:
- Chauncey Billups Portland Trail Blazers head coach
- Terry Rozier Chicago Bulls guard
- Multiple associates tied to New York mafia families
The FBI says the poker games involving Billups and Jones took place in Manhattan, Miami, Las Vegas, and the Hamptons and were intentionally designed to attract wealthy gamblers.
What the Indictment Says About Player 3
The federal documents also reference an unnamed Player 3, described only as:
“A prominent player who was both a teammate and coached by Damon Jones.”
Prosecutors did not provide a name, timeline, or role of Player 3, and no charges were brought against that athlete.
NBA Players Not Accused of Criminal Behavior
A critical detail included in the indictment:
- LeBron James and Anthony Davis are not accused of any crime.
- They are not listed as defendants.
- They are not described as participants in the scheme.
Their involvement is limited strictly to the fact that their injury information was leaked without their knowledge.
The Broader Gambling Crackdown
Thirty one individuals were arrested across two separate cases one involving illegal sports betting tied to NBA insiders, and the other tied to mafia run underground gambling networks.
This comes at a time when the NCAA has loosened betting rules for professional sports:
- Division I: Approved betting on pro sports on Oct. 8
- Division II & III: Approved on Oct. 22
- Changes go into effect on Nov. 1
- Betting on college sports remains banned
This shift has reignited concerns about athletes and staff becoming targets for gambling related pressure.
Background: Damon Jones’ NBA Career
Jones played for:
- Houston Rockets
- Miami Heat
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Milwaukee Bucks
He later worked as:
- A shooting consultant
- Assistant coach
- Player development trainer
His relationships within the league and access to team facilities made his alleged role in the gambling scheme particularly significant to investigators.
What Happens Next
The investigation is still active, and several defendants including Jones are expected to make court appearances in the coming weeks.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicated:
- More charges may be filed
- More individuals may be named
- Additional NBA connections may be revealed as evidence expands
Sportsbooks have reportedly already begun reviewing betting patterns linked to games mentioned in the filings.
Conclusion
The indictment marks one of the largest sports gambling scandals ever to touch the NBA, drawing in former players, active coaches, insiders, and individuals tied to organized crime.
While LeBron James and Anthony Davis are not accused of wrongdoing, the fact that their confidential medical information became a tool for illegal betting highlights the growing challenges the NBA faces as legalized sports gambling drives new pressures and vulnerabilities.
As the case unfolds, Damon Jones’ alleged actions and the broader criminal network around him could have long lasting consequences for league policies, team security, and the integrity of professional basketball.
