Damon Jones becomes first person to plead guilty in gambling scandal that also caught Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
As expected, former player and assistant coach Damon Jones has plead guilty to charges stemming from the NBA gambling scandal that also saw Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups get arrested.
On Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026, Jones became the first person to plead guilty in the gambling scandal, which resulted in over 30 people being arrested.
According to the Associated Press, Jones plead guilty to a "single count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud." This occurred during the first of two — conducted back-to-back — plea-change hearings in Brooklyn federal court.
Jones read a prepared statement to the court. He admitted to conspiring with others to defraud sports betting companies, using "insider information that I obtained as a result of my relationships as a former player" to do so. His ultimate goal was to "make money from sports books," as the Associated Press noted.
He then apologized "to the court, my family, my peers, and also the National Basketball Association." Jones knew what he did was wrong, and he's now due to be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2027, before Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall.
His sentence could last anywhere from 21 to 27 months in prison. Additionally, Jones agreed to forfeit $35,000. Under the conditions of his bail, Jones "can't gamble or be involved with organized crime figures." He also has to get "court approval" for any bank transfers greater than $10,000, with the exception of transactions for legal fees.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Unfortunately, this isn't Jones' only appearance in court today. He will appear later on Apr. 28, where he is once again expected to plead guilty for "profiting from rigged poker games." Billups was allegedly a key player in these poker schemes.
Currently, Jones is the only defendant willing to plead guilty. Prosecutors have brought more charges against Rozier, claiming to have evidence that he "solicited and received a bribe during an alleged gambling scheme." These charges are expected to be filed "in the coming weeks" by the middle of May.
Jones played in the NBA for several years. He had stints with the likes of the Boston Celtics , Dallas Mavericks , and Cleveland Cavaliers . From 2016 to 2018, he was an assistant coach of the Cavaliers.
Related: Terry Rozier facing more charges over alleged bribe in gambling scandal
