On Thursday, October 23, 2025, an indictment charging six defendants, including current and former NBA players Terry Rozier and Damon Jones, was unsealed in New York. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York, has accused the six defendants of committing wire fraud and laundering money to support a larger illegal sports betting scheme.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the defendants used confidential information about player injuries and lineup decisions to place wagers. In one instance, insiders allegedly bet over $100,000 against the Portland Trail Blazers after learning key players would not play. Similar conduct reportedly occurred around games involving the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and Toronto Raptors. More specifically, Jones is accused of selling inside information, while ex-Raptors player Jontay Porter allegedly informed co-conspirators he would leave games early due to fake injuries. Porter and another defendant, Long Phi Pham, have already pleaded guilty in connection with their roles in the scheme.
“This was a sophisticated conspiracy involving athletes, coaches, and intermediaries who exploited confidential information for profit,” United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. stated. “Insider betting schemes erode the integrity of American sports, and this Office will continue in its strong tradition of holding accountable anyone who seeks to corrupt sports through illegal means.”
Each defendant will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 40 years.
