URGENT UPDATE: Former NBA player Damon Jones was arrested on Thursday amid serious allegations of disclosing privileged injury information about LeBron James to facilitate illegal sports betting, authorities confirmed. This shocking revelation has sent ripples through the sports community as investigations reveal a wider network involving dozens of individuals.
Jones was one of 34 people arrested in a sweeping operation led by the FBI, which has reportedly been ongoing for years across nearly a dozen states and involves tens of millions of dollars, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
The investigation not only centers around illegal sports betting but also includes rigged poker games allegedly linked to the Mafia. Among those arrested are Chauncey Billups, coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Terry Rozier, guard for the Miami Heat.
Sources indicate that LeBron was not implicated in any wrongdoing. However, the indictment reveals that Jones exploited his close ties to James. Before a Lakers game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 9, 2023, Jones allegedly texted a co-conspirator to “get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight” due to James’s absence from the game. The Lakers ultimately lost, with a final score of 115-106.
James, who had just surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer on February 7, 2023, was sidelined due to left ankle soreness. The indictment further alleges that Jones supplied non-public injury information related to a Lakers game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 15, 2024.
Jones had been an unofficial, unpaid advisor on the staff of former Lakers coach Darvin Ham and was seen around the team during the 2022-2023 season. Unbeknownst to James, who spent significant time training with Jones that summer, his former teammate was involved in this illicit gambling activity.
“The allegations against Jones are serious and reflect a troubling trend in professional sports,” stated a source close to the investigation.
The Lakers have not issued a comment regarding the allegations against Jones as of yet. This developing story raises critical questions about the integrity of professional sports and the potential implications for those involved.
As investigations continue, sports fans and stakeholders are urged to stay tuned for updates on this unfolding scandal that could reshape the landscape of sports betting and professional basketball.
