Former NBA participant and assistant coach Damon Jones pleaded responsible on Tuesday to a federal cost that he gave inside data to gamblers.
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The 49-year-old, who performed for 10 groups throughout an 11-year profession, appeared earlier than a federal choose in Brooklyn and admitted his guilt to 1 rely of wire fraud conspiracy.
Jones’ sentencing was set for Jan. 6 and the federal government has urged that he serve between 21 months and 27 months behind bars.
Jones was arrested final 12 months as a part of a wide-ranging probe on sports activities betting and unlawful poker involving NBA figures and the mafia.
Defendants within the playing sweep included reputed mobsters and outstanding basketball figures, together with Portland Path Blazers head coach and Corridor of Fame member Chauncey Billups and Miami Warmth guard Terry Rozier.
Jones offered or tried to promote data he gleaned from his NBA ties, prosecutors mentioned.
He tipped off gamblers earlier than a Feb. 9, 2023, sport between the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, realizing personal data {that a} excessive profile L.A. star was injured and would not play.
“Get a giant wager on Milwaukee tonight earlier than the data is out,” he texted an unnamed co-conspirator, in accordance with federal authorities.
Energy ahead LeBron James was out for the Lakers that evening due to a sore left ankle and foot, in a 115-106 Milwaukee win.