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Former NBA player Damon Jones was arrested in connection to an alleged gambling ring. In addition to Jones, Portland Trailblazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were also arrested.
According to the indictment, Damon Jones is accused of sharing inside information about the health of LeBron James prior to the injury being officially reported. Jones had restricted access to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-23 season to work with James.
The FBI investigation alleges that Jones shared unreported information with gamblers about LeBron’s injury prior to a February 9, 2023, game against the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers referenced in the FBI’s investigation into sports betting was one that James did not play in due to ankle soreness.
Early reports indicate, however, that James was not aware of Jones’ actions, according to The Athletic.
Former NBA player Damon Jones allegedly traded inside info on LeBron James missing a 2023 Lakers game against the Bucks
“Jones is accused of selling/trying to profit from non-public information so that others could bet on it, including alleged co-conspirators Eric Earnest and Marves Fairley. It was about who would not be playing or if they would pull themselves out of games early.”
“Before the Feb. 9, 2023, Lakers game against the Bucks, Jones texted an unnamed co-conspirator that a player was out and they should bet the Bucks. The player was not yet on the injury report.” [via The Athletic]
According to FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge Christopher Raia, the alleged gambling ring is “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online sports betting became widely legalized in the United States.”
Following the FBI’s press conference, the NBA released the following official statement.
“We are in the process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today. Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups are being placed on immediate leave from their teams, and we will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”
Billups coached for the Blazers as recently as their opening game against the season-opening 118-114 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Assistant head coach Tiago Splitter is set to take over for Billups as the Blazers’ interim head coach.