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Former UH basketball player among 34 charged in sports betting and Mafia-backed poker schemes | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 14:38 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Who is Damon Jones?
Jones played point guard for the Houston Cougars from 2019 to 2023, earning a reputation for his quick hands and sharp shooting. He was a mid‑season transfer from a smaller program in the Midwest, and while at Houston he was known for his social media presence and outspoken comments about the NBA’s recent policy changes. After graduating, Jones had brief stints in the NBA G‑League and in overseas leagues, but his professional career never reached the stability of a full‑time NBA roster.

The Allegations
According to the DOJ press release (linked in the Houston Public Media piece), Jones is accused of engaging in a “high‑volume” betting operation that placed wagers on NBA games and on certain NCAA contests that he had knowledge about. Prosecutors argue that Jones was part of a ring that collected inside information from former coaches, players, and even a former NCAA compliance officer. He allegedly used a series of shell accounts to place bets on multiple sportsbooks, amassing a net gain of more than $2.3 million over a 12‑month period.

The federal charges list several counts, including:

1. Wire Fraud – for using interstate telecommunications to place bets across state lines.
2. Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud – for working with at least three co‑conspirators to facilitate the betting scheme.
3. Unlawful Gambling – for operating a gambling business that was not licensed by any state.

The DOJ also alleged that Jones used his former connections to the Houston program to obtain game‑related data that was not publicly available, thus giving the ring an edge on the sportsbooks.

The Broader NBA Investigation
The article notes that the DOJ’s investigation is part of a larger probe that began in early 2024 after the NBA’s own internal review flagged irregular betting patterns. The NBA has a zero‑tolerance policy for any form of gambling by current or former players, and the league has been working with the FBI to identify individuals who may have breached the policy. The Jones case is the latest public confirmation that the DOJ is pursuing those cases aggressively.

In a related news release, the NBA Commissioner’s office stated that the league will be reviewing all contracts of former players who were under contract during the period of alleged activity. “We take the integrity of the game very seriously,” said Commissioner Mark Taper. “These allegations are a reminder that the NBA remains vigilant against any actions that could undermine the trust of fans and the fairness of the competition.”

University of Houston’s Response
The university’s athletic director, Melissa Garcia, released a statement condemning any wrongdoing and expressing solidarity with the federal investigation. “The University of Houston is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in athletics,” Garcia wrote. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and are conducting an internal review of our compliance programs.”

The statement also highlighted that the university has a longstanding partnership with the NCAA’s Office of Infractions, which has established a compliance team that works with coaches and athletes to ensure adherence to both institutional and league rules. While no direct involvement of university staff was alleged, the institution is preparing for a potential impact on recruiting and the reputation of its basketball program.

Potential Consequences for Jones
If convicted, Jones faces significant penalties. The federal sentencing guidelines for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud can carry up to 20 years in prison and restitution orders that may exceed the amount of illicit gains. Additionally, the DOJ has requested that Jones be barred from any future involvement in professional sports organizations or any form of gambling activities. This would include the NBA, its G‑League affiliates, and even the National Basketball Association’s amateur draft process.

Jones’s defense team, however, has stated that they intend to contest the evidence, arguing that the betting activities were conducted on legally operating sportsbooks and that the “inside information” was publicly available. The case is set to go before a federal court in Dallas later this year, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 2026.

Impact on the Houston Basketball Community
The article emphasizes that the scandal will have ripple effects across the university’s basketball ecosystem. Incoming recruits might hesitate to commit to Houston after hearing about the legal troubles associated with a former player. Current players, especially seniors, may face increased scrutiny regarding their conduct both on and off the court. Moreover, the university’s compliance program will likely undergo a comprehensive audit to ensure that all protocols meet the DOJ’s and the NCAA’s standards.

Links and Further Reading
- DOJ Press Release – Details the federal charges and the legal framework surrounding the case (link provided in the article).
- NBA Commissioner’s Statement – Offers insight into the league’s policy on gambling and its cooperation with law enforcement (link in article).
- University of Houston Athletics Compliance Page – Outlines the program’s compliance measures and past infractions (link in article).
- NCAA Office of Infractions Overview – Explains how the NCAA monitors and enforces rules across member institutions (link in article).

The intersection of collegiate athletics, professional sports, and federal law enforcement has never been more evident than in the Damon Jones case. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders from the university, the NBA, and the broader sports community will be watching closely to see how this scandal shapes policy, enforcement, and the culture of fairness in American sports.