Explained: How LeBron James’ name is linked to shocking NBA betting scandal
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Blazers coach Billups is accused of conspiring to rig high-stakes card games affiliated with La Cosa Nostra. Heat guard Rozier, meanwhile, is accused of using confidential player information to place winning bets on NBA contests. Also arrested was Damon Jones, an 11-year NBA veteran and former NBA assistant coach and player who was allegedly involved in both gambling schemes.
The indictments allege that Jones, a former Cavaliers assistant with close ties to James, shared non-public information about player injuries and game availability to benefit a gambling ring. One example cited was James being ruled out of a game in February 2023 due to ankle soreness; this information was reportedly used by bookmakers linked to Jones.
The indictments cite several unnamed NBA players whose injury and availability guided the betting activities, but none of whom were accused of wrongdoing or were aware of the scheme.
Among the players determined according to injury reports are James, Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard. The documents show that the defendants shared information about their participation in a game involving the Portland Trail Blazers on March 24, 2023, as well as two 2023-2024 games involving the Los Angeles Lakers. Defendants in the sports betting scheme are accused of obtaining confidential information from NBA players or coaches that could affect player performance and sharing it with others to place bets. According to the indictment, players manipulate prop bets from time to time by changing their performance or leaving games early; These bets predict whether a player can surpass certain statistics such as points, rebounds or assists.
