Damon Jones, a former NBA player and coach, has recently found himself in the spotlight due to his alleged involvement in an FBI investigation related to illegal gambling schemes. This article delves into Jones’ NBA career, his relationship with LeBron James, and the recent allegations that have shaken the basketball community.
Early Life and Professional Career
Damon Darron Jones was born on August 25, 1976, in Houston, Texas. He played high school basketball for Ball High School before attending the University of Houston. Despite going undrafted in the 1997 NBA draft, Jones made a name for himself in the professional basketball world.
Jones’ early career saw him play for several teams, including the Idaho Stampede in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), where he was named the CBA Newcomer of the Year and earned a spot on the All-CBA First Team. In 2004, he signed with the Miami Heat, where he had one of the most successful seasons of his career, setting career highs in points, assists, and three-point shooting.
NBA Career Highlights
Jones spent 11 seasons in the NBA from 1998 to 2008, primarily as a guard and 3-point shooter. He played for ten different teams, with his longest tenure being with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008. During his time with the Cavaliers, he played alongside LeBron James, forming a strong bond that would later come under scrutiny.
Jones was known for his exceptional three-point shooting, making him a valuable asset on the court. His best season came in 2004–05 with the Miami Heat, where he averaged 11.6 points per game and shot 45.6% from the field. He also had a standout playoff performance, averaging 12.1 points and 4.0 assists while shooting 42.9% from three-point range.
Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Jones transitioned into coaching. He joined the Cleveland Cavaliers as a shooting consultant in 2014 and later became an assistant coach with the team’s G League affiliate, the Canton Charge. In 2016, he was added to Tyronn Lue’s coaching staff for the NBA playoffs, helping the Cavaliers win their first championship in 2016.
Jones gained notoriety for his role in the 2018 incident where Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith threw a bowl of soup at him, leading to Smith’s suspension.
Relationship with LeBron James
Jones and LeBron James first met when both were on the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008. They formed a close friendship that continued even after Jones left the team. In 2022-23, Jones was still working with James in an informal capacity, which led to the recent allegations against him.
According to reports, Jones shared non-public information about James’ playing status with a bettor before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks in February 2023. This information was used to place bets, which is now under investigation by the FBI.
Recent Allegations and Legal Issues
In October 2025, Jones was arrested by the FBI as part of a federal investigation into sports betting and gambling schemes. He was one of 34 individuals indicted, and he is accused of selling or trying to profit from non-public information to allow others to bet on it. The investigation also involves an illegal poker operation that allegedly swindled millions from victims using high-tech cheating mechanisms.
While the exact charges are not yet clear, the FBI has confirmed that Jones is tied to both investigations. LeBron James has not been implicated in the case, and sources close to him have stated that he was not involved in any way.
Conclusion
Damon Jones’ NBA career was marked by his talent as a shooter and his contributions to several teams. However, his recent legal troubles have cast a shadow over his legacy. As the investigation continues, the basketball community awaits further details on the extent of his involvement in the alleged gambling schemes.
Stay updated with the latest news on Damon Jones and other trending topics in the NBA.
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Sources:
– ESPN
– The Athletic
– FBI Official Website
Related Articles:
– NBA Gambling Scandal Explained
– LeBron James and the NBA
– Damon Jones’ Coaching Career
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