Did Damon Jones plead guilty in gambling case?

Damon Jones seeks a change-of-plea hearing

Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones has taken a major step in his legal case tied to an FBI gambling probe. Instead of continuing to fight the charges in court, Jones requested a change-of-plea hearing.

The move affects how the case could progress next. The hearing has been scheduled for April 28, following Jones’s request for a procedural shift. This does not automatically finalize a guilty plea, but it signals that the defense is moving toward altering how the case will be resolved.

Jones has been accused in connection with passing or providing information relevant to gambling outcomes. The broader case has generated significant attention in sports because it involves alleged conduct connected to the betting market.

A change-of-plea is often used when a defendant decides that the risk and uncertainty of trial no longer make sense, or when negotiations have changed the expected outcome. In Jones’s situation, the latest procedural step suggests his next courtroom appearance will be more about the terms of a possible plea than about contesting liability.

Why it matters for sports is the spotlight it brings to the integrity of NBA-related information systems. The case involves a former player and coach—figures who, if convicted, could reshape how teams and leagues consider compliance and information-sharing controls.

At this point, the specific plea outcome is not final until the scheduled hearing occurs. But Jones’s request for a change-of-plea hearing is a clear sign that his legal strategy is shifting.