LeBron – Foto: X.com/ Lakers
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Damon Jones, a former NBA player and close friend of LeBron James, on Thursday (23) in New York, as part of a crackdown on sports betting manipulation. Jones is accused of leaking confidential information about James’ left ankle injury before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 9, 2023. This allowed bettors to place large sums on the Bucks, altering odds before the official announcement of the Los Angeles Lakers star’s absence.
The incident occurred days after James broke the NBA’s all-time scoring record, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Federal authorities emphasize that James was not knowingly involved and is considered an unwitting victim. The investigation includes 34 arrests across 11 states and involves millions in illegal bets.
Scene’s set 💜 pic.twitter.com/jcWe2yjAWB
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 22, 2025
Damon Jones’ NBA background
Damon Jones played 11 seasons in the NBA, suiting up for ten teams between 1999 and 2010. He shared the court with LeBron James during their time with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008, including their 2006 championship run. After retiring, Jones served as an assistant coach for the Cavaliers and, in the 2022-23 season, informally worked with the Lakers, leading James’ pre-game warm-ups.
His proximity to the star granted access to locker rooms, team travel, and medical updates. Jones held restricted credentials, facilitating contact with sensitive data. Federal charges state he exploited this relationship to sell non-public information.
Authorities recovered text messages where Jones instructed accomplices to bet on the Bucks hours before the game. He explicitly referenced the absence of a “prominent player,” identified as James.
Details of the Bucks game incident
The February 9, 2023, game ended with a 115-106 Bucks victory, influenced by James’ absence, listed as probable in injury reports. Bettors, tipped off by Jones, placed significant bets before the official update, yielding profits estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars.
- Jones sent a morning text confirming James’ absence due to ankle pain.
- Accomplices, including Marves Fairley, wagered at least $100,000 against the Lakers.
- Favorable Bucks odds were exploited for about two hours before the announcement.
- Despite the Bucks’ win, Fairley’s side bet on another game failed, leading to a refund demand from Jones.
The U.S. Department of Justice labels the case as wire fraud and money laundering. Jones faces potential penalties exceeding 20 years if convicted.
Involvement of other players and coaches
The FBI operation uncovered a network involving figures like Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Terry Rozier, Miami Heat guard. Billups is accused of rigging high-stakes poker games tied to organized crime, while Rozier allegedly faked an injury in a March 2023 game to favor bets on his stats.
Jones is also linked to a leak about Anthony Davis, James’ Lakers teammate, in a January 2024 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Davis, listed as probable, played limited minutes due to a knee injury, enabling bets on point unders.
- Billups used technology to read cards in high-stakes poker games.
- Rozier tipped friends about an early exit in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
- Blazers’ tanking game info was sold for draft lottery bets.
- The NBA immediately suspended those involved and is cooperating with authorities.
League’s response to integrity threats
The NBA issued a statement reinforcing its commitment to competition integrity following the indictments. The league has monitored betting since its legalization in 2018, enforcing strict rules on injury disclosures, requiring daily public reports.
Authorities note the scheme exploited unofficial access, like Jones’ with the Lakers. The investigation identified suspicious betting patterns in at least eight games in the 2022-23 season.
Prosecutor Joseph Nocella Jr. called the case one of the boldest since online betting expanded. Agencies like the FBI use data analysis to track abnormal financial flows.
Preventive measures against leaks
Coaches and players undergo annual training on betting risks, with penalties including fines up to $100,000 for violations. The NBA partners with betting firms to detect irregularities in real time.
- Injury reports must be submitted by 5 a.m. ET on game days.
- Locker room access is audited via electronic credentials.
- Cybersecurity firms monitor internal communications.
These measures aim to protect the league’s credibility, which generates billions in annual revenue.
Federal investigation context
The FBI launched the operation in 2022, targeting links to New York mafia families. Beyond NBA betting, the scheme involved rigged poker games using X-ray machines to read hidden cards.
Jones acted as a liaison between league insiders and professional bettors. Court documents reveal payments of $2,500 per tip in one instance, with potential for escalation.
The case spans states like New York, Florida, and California, with searches of homes and bank accounts. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized dismantling a multimillion-dollar network.
