Former NBA sharpshooter Damon Jones has entered a not-guilty plea in federal court over allegations tied to an illegal gambling operation in Michigan. The 49-year-old ex-player, who also served as a coach in the NBA and G League, is facing a single count of conspiracy to commit theft from a program receiving federal funds. Other defendants in the case include former minor league baseball player Andrew Mangione.
According to an indictment unsealed in April, authorities claim Jones participated in a criminal enterprise that allegedly used threats and intimidation to collect debts from an illegal betting operation. The group reportedly relied on a Michigan-based website and mobile app to take unlawful wagers, a practice said to have been ongoing through at least the end of 2021. In one particularly unusual allegation, prosecutors state Jones offered his 2016 NBA championship ring, earned with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as collateral for a gambling debt. The ring was reportedly handed to the operation’s leader, Timmy “Shady” Sretavick, until the debt was cleared.
This case is separate from other high-profile investigations involving NBA players, including the recent scrutiny surrounding Jontay Porter. Jones’ charges specifically relate to a conspiracy to defraud the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe’s casino in Michigan – a federally funded program. Court documents suggest the scheme involved sophisticated methods to gain an unfair advantage at casino tables, though precise tactics have not been publicly disclosed.
Damon Jones had an 11-season NBA career spanning from 1998 to 2009, playing for 11 teams, most notably the Cleveland Cavaliers. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching roles, including a stint as assistant coach for the Capital City Go-Go in the G League and as a player development coach for the Toronto Raptors during the 2023-24 season. His current involvement with the Raptors remains uncertain following the federal charges.
Following his plea, Jones was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond with specific conditions restricting gambling and travel. While a trial date has not yet been scheduled, a conviction on the conspiracy charge could carry a maximum federal sentence of 10 years in prison.
