The ongoing federal investigation into illegal gambling within the NBA continues to develop, revealing new connections and drawing reactions from across the basketball world. As the story unfolds, details are emerging about the alleged methods used to obtain insider information and the personal relationships at the center of the scandal. The situation has sparked commentary from those with inside knowledge of the league’s inner workings.

Former NBA guard Jeff Teague recently shared his thoughts on the scandal during an appearance on the Club 520 Podcast. He directly pointed fingers at one individual involved in the case, stating, “I know Damon Jones started all this s–t. He’s the culprit. I feel it in my bones.” Teague’s blunt assessment highlights the personal relationships and insider knowledge within the league regarding the investigation.

A significant development involves Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who was reportedly unaware of his connection to the case. According to reports, Damon Jones had restricted access to the Lakers during the 2022-23 season, specifically working with James during pregame workouts. This access allowed Jones to obtain non-public information about player availability and injury status.

Federal documents allege that Jones used this privileged position to share confidential information about James’ playing status with gamblers. The indictment specifies that Jones texted a co-conspirator about LeBron James missing a February 2023 game against the Milwaukee Bucks before the injury report was public. This game occurred just two days after James set the NBA’s all-time scoring record.

The same court documents indicate Jones provided information about another top Lakers player in January 2024 after learning from a trainer about a potential injury. One bettor placed a $100,000 wager against the Lakers based on this tip, though the player ultimately performed normally and the bet failed. Jones was reportedly asked to repay the money paid for the inaccurate information.

Jones had maintained a long-standing relationship with LeBron James, having been teammates with him in Cleveland for three seasons between 2005 and 2008. His unofficial role with the Lakers granted him access to team facilities, including locker rooms, planes, and hotels, despite not being an official staff member. This access became a key element in the alleged information sharing.

The NBA has placed those involved in the investigation on immediate leave from their teams while the legal process continues. The league continues to cooperate with federal authorities as they examine the full extent of the gambling operations and their impact on game integrity.

On that note, let’s further discuss some other key involvements apart from LeBron James in the grand scheme of events.

Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups among the arrested

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were among more than thirty people arrested Thursday in a major federal investigation into illegal gambling schemes. The sweeping operation spanned eleven states and involved charges ranging from wire fraud to money laundering, with authorities alleging connections to organized crime families. This represents one of the most significant gambling probes to hit professional basketball in recent years.

The investigation involves two separate cases outlined by U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. The first, called “Operation Nothing But Bet,” focuses on an insider sports betting scheme where six defendants allegedly exploited confidential information about NBA players and teams. Terry Rozier was charged in this indictment and was arrested Thursday morning in Orlando, Florida, where he was staying after his team’s game against the Magic.

The second case, dubbed “Operation Royal Flush,” involves thirty-one defendants accused of rigging underground poker games using sophisticated cheating technology. Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones face charges in this indictment. The alleged scheme used high-tech equipment including poker chip trays with hidden cameras, special contact lenses to read marked cards, and X-ray tables that could read face-down cards.

Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, issued a statement criticizing the manner of his client’s arrest. He claimed prosecutors had characterized Rozier as a subject rather than a target and noted that the player had been previously cleared by the NBA after meeting with investigators. Trusty stated, “They wanted the misplaced glory of embarrassing a professional athlete with a perp walk.”

The NBA responded by placing both Rozier and Billups on immediate leave from their teams. The league issued a statement confirming it was reviewing the federal indictments and would continue cooperating with authorities. The Portland Trail Blazers announced that assistant coach Tiago Splitter would serve as interim head coach while the investigation continues.

Billups, a Hall of Fame player nicknamed “Mr. Big Shot” during his playing career, had coached the Trail Blazers just Wednesday night before in their season opener. The 49-year-old was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame just last year following a 17-season playing career that included five All-Star selections and a 2004 NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons, where he earned Finals MVP honors.

Rozier, a 10-year NBA veteran, is in the final year of a four-year, $96 million contract originally signed with the Charlotte Hornets. The 31-year-old guard was traded to the Miami Heat in January 2024 and did not play in Wednesday night’s game against Orlando, listed as a coach’s decision before his arrest the following morning.