Former NBA player Jontay Porter, who was banned for life from the league for gambling, will now face felony charges related to the scheme that led to his punishment.
Jontay Porter, the former NBA player who received a lifetime ban for gambling, is now facing felony charges in connection with the scheme that led to his suspension.
Court documents obtained by The Associated Press show that Porter will be charged in a Brooklyn court, although the specific charges and court date have not yet been specified. The case is reportedly related to an ongoing prosecution of four men who are accused of conspiring to cash in on tips from Porter about his plans to exit two games early.
Jontay Porter Faces Felony Charges in NBA Gambling Scheme
The NBA's investigation revealed that before the Toronto Raptors' March 20 game, Porter disclosed confidential information about his health status to an individual who he knew was an NBA bettor. Subsequently, another individual associated with Porter, also known to be an NBA bettor, placed an $80,000 parlay proposition bet with an online sportsbook, wagering that Porter would underperform in the game.
Porter played only three minutes in the March 20 game, claiming to be sick. The $80,000 prop bet was frozen and not paid out.
Jontay Porter Faces Felony Charges in NBA Gambling Scheme
The NBA's investigation also found that Porter placed at least 13 bets on NBA games between January and March of this year, using an associate's betting account. He allegedly gambled on NBA games in which he did not play, including one time when he bet against his own team.
Porter's lawyer, Jeff Jensen, has stated that Porter has a gambling addiction and is currently receiving treatment and cooperating with law enforcement. Four other men have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the scheme.
Jontay Porter Faces Felony Charges in NBA Gambling Scheme
Porter's lifetime ban from the NBA was imposed on April 17 after the league's investigation found that he had violated league rules by disclosing confidential information and betting on games. The NBA prohibits players from betting on the league or any of its properties.
Porter, who is the son of former NBA player Kevin Porter Sr., was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019 but never played a game for the team. He joined the Raptors in 2023 and appeared in 35 games.
The felony charges against Porter are a significant development in the case and could potentially result in further consequences for the former player. The outcome of the case will be closely watched by the NBA and its players, as it sends a strong message that gambling on the league will not be tolerated.
