A Hawks Finance Chief's Luxury Life on the Team's Dime

A former top finance executive of the Atlanta Hawks is in hot water. Lester T. Jones Jr. , who once managed the team's money, is accused of stealing nearly $4 million. He allegedly used fake invoices and company credit cards to fund his fancy lifestyle. This included trips abroad, high-end fashion, and even a Porsche. He also reportedly showered gifts on a former coworker he was dating. Jones worked for the Hawks from 2016 to 2025. He rose to become the senior vice president of finance in 2021. This role gave him control over the team's corporate credit cards and expense reimbursement system. Prosecutors claim he took advantage of his position to line his own pockets. The Hawks discovered the alleged fraud during an internal audit this summer. Jones is no longer with the team. He pleaded not guilty when he first appeared in court. A judge ordered him to surrender his passport and decide within 15 days whether to plead guilty or go to trial. This scandal comes on the heels of other recent troubles in the NBA. Just two weeks earlier, gambling allegations surfaced against Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups. It's been a rough patch for the league.