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LeBron’s ex-teammate Damon Jones set to plead guilty after selling insider gambling tip

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LeBron’s ex-teammate Damon Jones set to plead guilty after selling insider gambling tip

Nearly six months after pleading not guilty, former NBA player and coach Damon Jones is poised to become the first defendant to plead guilty in a sweeping federal gambling investigation that has shaken fan confidence in the league.

A change of plea hearing for Jones in the sports betting case is scheduled for April 28 in Brooklyn federal court, according to a court filing Thursday. Prosecutors have until the end of next week to file statements on the exact charges he will plead guilty to.

In short, things are about to heat up. His attorney confirmed the change but emphasized that Jones is not cooperating with authorities. Which is a strange admission.

Jones initially pleaded not guilty in November 2025 to wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering charges in connection with an alleged scheme to provide sports bettors with non-public injury and availability information on NBA stars – specifically LeBron James and Anthony Davis – while he had privileged access to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022–23 season.

Interestingly, Jones’ change in plea comes just months after the league launched an independent investigation in which officials requested cell phones and documents from multiple teams. Among those receiving the request were Lakers employees Mike Mancias (LeBron James’ longtime assistant coach) and Randy Mims (executive administrator and another James associate), who voluntarily surrendered their phones and records.

It is important to note that James is not believed to be involved in any way. Mancias and Mims were reportedly under investigation for their relationship with Jones.

Jones allegedly sent a text message to a co-conspirator before the Lakers-Bucks game in Milwaukee on February 9, 2023. At the time, James was not yet listed on the official injury report.

“Bet big on Milwaukee tonight before info comes out,” he reportedly wrote.

James ultimately exited the contest with a lower body injury and the Lakers lost 115–106.

Jones is also alleged to have been paid $2,500 for a tip on Davis in January 2024, which suggests the Lakers star will have limited playing time against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to injury. The lead was denied, Davis played normal minutes and was effective enough to lead Los Angeles to a 112–105 win. The sports bettor who paid Jones for the tip and then placed a $100,000 bet on the Lakers was not happy.

From LeBron’s trusted shooting partner to federal guilty plea: The shocking fall of Damon Jones

According to ESPN NBA Insider Brian Windhorst, Jones and James’ history stretches back to the mid-2000s. They were teammates on the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008. After Jones’ playing career ended, the two maintained an on-and-off friendship. Jones later worked informally as a shooting consultant for James, including during the Cavs’ 2016 championship run under Tyronn Lue.

That bond gave Jones unusual access after years with the Lakers. The fact that he would betray a team that trusted him and befriended LeBron to sell insider betting tips is astonishing.

James and Jones had already fallen out of touch by the time charges were filed following an alleged altercation.

Jones faces a separate but related indictment involving alleged participation in a Mafia-linked, rigged poker game that defrauded high-rollers out of millions. Yes, that is correct. The mafia reportedly had a hold on NBA players. He also pleaded not guilty to those charges in November.

The sweeping investigation, which led to more than 30 arrests, has also ensnared people like Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups.

Jones’ expected guilty plea marks a significant development in the case. He would be the first person to plead guilty in this high-profile gambling scandal, potentially opening the door to sentencing negotiations for other players mentioned.

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Rusty Weis is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys and Xavier Musketeers. He has been writing professionally… More about Rusty Weiss


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Score More Goals in Field Hockey: The Only Tip Indian Players Need!

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Score More Goals in Field Hockey: The Only Tip Indian Players Need!


Score More Goals in Field Hockey: The Only Tip Indian Players Need!

Field hockey is more than just a sport in India; it is a legacy. From the golden era of Dhyan Chand to the recent bronze medal heroics at the Olympics, the passion for the game remains unmatched. However, many aspiring Indian players often find themselves stuck when it comes to consistently converting circle entries into hockey scores.

If you are looking to elevate your game and see your name on the scoresheet more often, there is one technical adjustment that stands above the rest. While fitness and dribbling are vital, the “secret sauce” to scoring goals lies in Mastering the ‘First-Time’ Shot.

The Goal-Scoring Dilemma: Why Indian Players Struggle

Traditionally, Indian hockey style (the subcontinental style) is known for exquisite stick-work and intricate dribbling. While this looks beautiful, it often leads to “over-playing.” Many players try to beat one more defender or adjust the ball perfectly before taking a shot. In modern turf hockey, this extra second is all a goalkeeper needs to close the angle.

The Game-Changing Tip: Snap Shooting

The tip is simple: Decrease your release time. To increase your hockey scores, you must train your brain and muscles to shoot within half a second of receiving the ball in the D.

  • Avoid the Extra Touch: Most goals at the international level are scored via a “deflection” or a “hit on the turn.”
  • The ‘Blind’ Shot: You don’t always need to look at the goal. If you are in the circle, you know where the goal is. Trust your spatial awareness.
  • Change the Angle: Instead of a full backswing, use a quick wrist/push-hit. It’s harder for goalkeepers to read because there is no “tell.”

How to Practice for Higher Hockey Scores

To implement this, Indian academy players should move away from static shooting drills. Instead, practice “chaos drills.” Have a teammate fire hard balls toward you from the baseline and attempt to redirect them toward the goal using only one touch. This builds the reflex required to beat modern, high-speed defensive lines.

Understanding the Impact on Team Performance

When you prioritize quick shooting, it forces the opposing defense to stay deep. This creates more space for your midfielders and increases the likelihood of earning Penalty Corners (PCs). In the modern game, a high percentage of hockey scores come from clinical PC execution, but you can’t get those PCs without threatening the goal first.

Conclusion

To become a legendary forward in the Indian circuit, you must balance the traditional Indian skill set with European efficiency. Beautiful dribbling will get you into the circle, but clinical, first-time shooting will get you the goal. Stop looking for the perfect moment and start taking the shot. The next time you step onto the turf, remember: the faster the ball leaves your stick, the higher the chance it ends up in the back of the net.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best position to score goals in field hockey?

While strikers (forwards) score the most, modern hockey allows attacking midfielders to contribute significantly to hockey scores through late runs into the circle.

2. How can I improve my shot power?

Shot power comes from core strength and the transfer of body weight. Don’t just use your arms; step into the shot and use your hips for maximum velocity.

3. Where can I check live field hockey scores for Indian matches?

You can follow the official Hockey India website or international platforms like the FIH (International Hockey Federation) website for real-time updates on national and international matches.

4. Is the reverse hit (Tomahawk) better than a standard hit?

The Tomahawk is great for scoring from tight angles on the left side, but it requires a longer setup. For quick goals, a standard push or slap-hit is often more effective.

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