Former NBA guard Damon Jones is expected to change his plea to guilty in a federal illegal gambling case, according to multiple reports.
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That's a big shift.
Jones had previously pleaded not guilty to charges that include wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. Now, with a court appearance looming, the case appears to be moving toward its next phase.
And he's not alone.
Jones is one of nearly three dozen individuals tied to a wide-ranging federal investigation into illegal sports gambling. Prosecutors allege he was involved in both a rigged poker operation and a separate scheme tied to inside information being passed along to bettors.
That second part stands out.
According to reports, Jones allegedly used his access around NBA circles to tip off bets before information became public. One example cited involves a February 2023 game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, when LeBron James was sidelined.
"Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out," Jones allegedly wrote in a text.
That's the kind of detail that changes how this is viewed.
Other NBA names have surfaced in the investigation as well, including Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier.
For Jones, though, the focus is now on what comes next. A guilty plea would mark a major turn in a case that's still unfolding.
