While a new NBA season brings fresh questions about champions and rising stars, a rapidly growing gambling scandal has seized the spotlight, threatening to overshadow everything happening on the court. The controversy has already ensnared a prominent coach and a starting guard.
Still, the latest developments involving a former player with close ties to LeBron James raise the stakes for the entire league.
What Are the Allegations Against Former NBA Coach Damon Jones?
The dominant storyline early in the NBA season has centered on the gambling scandal that has shaken the league. This situation has overshadowed other key questions, including whether Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to another title or if anyone can challenge the rising dominance of San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama.
Alongside these broad concerns, the investigation has expanded to include current Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA star and current Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups. Rozier was arrested on suspicion of illegal betting, while Billups faces charges related to unlicensed poker games.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, both men have been placed on a leave of absence, and neither will receive pay during their leave, with their paychecks placed in escrow until the case outcomes are determined. Amid these developments, NBA officials are planning discussions with Congressional authorities regarding the scandal.
NBA veteran and former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Damon Jones is among the individuals alleged to have participated in the ongoing scandal. Allegations state that Jones shared confidential details regarding Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, Jones’s former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate, during the 2022-2023 season.
“According to the indictment, Jones, a friend of James’ who was not an employee of the Lakers, sold or tried 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,” The Athletic reports.
Also per The Athletic, “Jones wasn’t an official member of the Lakers’ coaching staff during the 2022-2023 season. But he did work with James during his pregame workouts hours before tip-off. He also had access to the team’s locker room, planes and hotels.” Jones was arrested two weeks ago in connection with these charges.
What Happened at Jones’s Recent Court Appearance?
On Thursday, Jones attended a court hearing to address the gambling and poker-related accusations. He entered a plea of not guilty.
Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones arrived in court today to plead not guilty on illegal gambling and poker case charges.
Jones’ parents put their home in Houston up as collateral to help bail the 49-year-old out of jail on $200,000 bond.pic.twitter.com/UsaCvltx9q
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) November 6, 2025
According to Evan Sidery of Forbes, “Jones’ parents put their home in Houston up as collateral to help bail the 49-year-old out of jail on $200,000 bond.”
Jones faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Each charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison. Currently, Jones is the only individual implicated in both referenced incidents.
