TEXAS—November 6, 2025, 2:50pm, EDT
By T. Williams, Staff Reporter
Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones appeared in Brooklyn Federal Court on November 6, 2025, for arraignment on charges related to his alleged role in a sprawling illegal sports betting ring. The case, part of the FBI’s dual investigations “Operation Nothing But Bet” and “Operation Royal Flush,” has implicated multiple high-profile figures in the NBA and beyond.
Jones, 49, was arrested in October alongside Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Prosecutors allege that Jones acted as a “face card” in rigged poker games and leaked insider NBA information to bettors, including injury details about stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Bail Secured Through Family Sacrifice
During the arraignment, Jones’ legal team successfully negotiated bail terms that allowed him to remain out of custody pending trial. In a dramatic show of support, Jones’ parents pledged their family home in Houston as collateral, a move that underscores the gravity of the charges and the financial strain facing the former athlete.
Court documents reveal that Jones has faced years of financial instability, including multiple bankruptcy filings, eviction proceedings, and unpaid debts to casinos and private lenders. In one instance, he reportedly used his 2016 NBA Finals championship ring as collateral for a personal loan.
Allegations of Insider Trading and Game Fixing
Federal prosecutors allege that Jones provided non-public information about player injuries and game outcomes to co-conspirators, who then placed fraudulent wagers. One text message cited in the indictment reads:
“Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out! [Player 3] is out tonight. Bet enough so Djones can eat to [sic] now!!!”
The referenced game involved LeBron James sitting out due to an ankle injury, which was not publicly disclosed at the time. Bettors allegedly profited over $100,000 from the tip.
Jones is also accused of participating in rigged poker games tied to organized crime, where his celebrity status was used to lure wealthy players into manipulated hands.
NBA Fallout and Legal Outlook
While Jones is no longer employed by the NBA, the league has placed active figures like Billups and Rozier on immediate leave. The FBI has arrested over 30 individuals across 11 states in connection with the investigation, which it describes as “a wide-sweeping criminal enterprise that enveloped both the NBA and La Cosa Nostra”.
Jones has not yet entered a plea. His next court appearance is scheduled for later this month, where prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence, including financial records, text messages, and surveillance data.
As the case unfolds, Jones’ fall from NBA journeyman to federal defendant serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of fame, financial desperation, and criminal opportunity.
Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and over 30 others—including members of La Cosa Nostra—are expected to appear in federal court throughout November and December 2025. They face charges ranging from wire fraud and money laundering to extortion and operating illegal gambling businesses.
Upcoming Court Appearances
- Chauncey Billups: Arraigned in Portland on October 23; next hearing scheduled for November 20, 2025, in Brooklyn Federal Court.
- Terry Rozier: Arraigned in Miami; expected to appear in New York Federal Court in late November.
- Damon Jones: Arraigned November 6 in Brooklyn; next appearance set for later this month, with prosecutors preparing additional evidence.
- Other Defendants: Members of the Bonnano, Gambino, Luchesse, and Genovese crime families are scheduled for preliminary hearings between November 15 and December 10, 2025, depending on jurisdiction.
Charges Filed
The FBI’s dual investigations—Operation Nothing But Bet and Operation Royal Flush—have led to a sweeping set of indictments:
| Defendant Group | Key Charges | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NBA Figures | Wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering, insider trading | Leaked injury info and manipulated game outcomes for betting profits |
| Mafia Members | Operating illegal gambling business, extortion conspiracy | Rigged poker games using cheating tech; collected debts and laundered proceeds |
| Overlap (e.g., Damon Jones) | Participated in both schemes | Acted as “face card” in poker games and leaked NBA info |
Mafia Involvement
Federal prosecutors allege that La Cosa Nostra crime families backed the rigged poker games and betting operations. These families allegedly:
- Supplied wireless cheating devices and altered shuffling machines
- Used NBA celebrities to lure wealthy victims (“fish”) into games
- Collected winnings and laundered proceeds through shell companies
FBI Director Kash Patel described the fraud as “mind-boggling,” with losses exceeding $7.15 million and operations spanning 11 states.
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