Porter was discovered during the NBA investigation.”[disclosed] Confidential information and restrictions for sports bettors[ed] himself participating in one or more games for betting purposes; and [bet] About NBA games. ”
Porter disclosed personal details to bettors “about his health” before the March 20 game, the league said in a statement. Following this revelation, another source close to Porter placed an $80,000 bet at an online sportsbook on Porter's “poor performance on March 20th,” hoping to win $1.1 million.
Porter logged just three minutes against the Kings before leaving with an illness, finishing with zero points, two rebounds, and zero assists. In light of “unusual betting activity,” online sportsbooks froze bets and no winnings were paid, the league said.
The NBA investigation also found that Porter placed “at least 13 bets” through his affiliated account during the 2023-24 season, which he spent with the Raptors and their G League affiliate. Porter bet him $54,094 and won $21,965. The NBA did not bet on any of the games Porter played in, but the NBA announced that he placed three multi-game parlay bets, including one on the Raptors, in which Porter bet on the Raptors to lose. Porter's bet with the Raptors ended in failure.
“Nothing is more important to fans, teams, and everyone involved in the sport than protecting the integrity of NBA competition, which is why Jontay Porter's blatant violation of the rules of the game… , the harshest punishment will be imposed.” Mr. Silver said in his statement. “While legal sports betting brings transparency to help identify suspicious or anomalous activity, this issue also concerns our current implementation practices, including the types of bets offered to our games and players. It also raises important questions about the adequacy of the regulatory framework in place.We continue to work closely with all stakeholders across the industry to protect the league and the game.”
The National Basketball Players Association also released a statement on Wednesday confirming Porter's suspension.
“Adherence to the league's gambling policy is paramount to maintaining player integrity and protecting the future of the sport,” the union said. “In light of the NBA's decision, the NBPA will ensure that Jontay has access to the resources he needs during this period. All players, including Jontay, will be provided with the appropriate due process and the right to comply with any charges brought against them.” They should be given the opportunity to answer the charges. The NBPA will continue to provide training materials to all players to ensure they understand how to properly navigate the complex sports betting environment.”
The Raptors, who finished the season outside the playoffs with a record of 25 wins and 57 losses, did not respond to requests for comment.
The NBA has advocated for the expansion of legalized sports betting and established business partnerships with gambling companies during Mr. Silver's decade as commissioner, but after umpire Tim Donaghy placed a bet on his own game. He has avoided major gambling scandals since pleading guilty to federal charges. He took charge in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons.
League rules prohibit all employees, including players, coaches and referees, from gambling on NBA games. Violators of our gambling policy are subject to fines, suspension, and termination. The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert $100,000 this month for suggesting the league's referees were influenced by gamblers.
Porter, a product of the University of Missouri, went undrafted in 2019 and appeared in 11 games with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2020-21, spending multiple seasons in the G League before signing two-way contact with the Raptors in December. . He is the younger brother of Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr.
Prior to his suspension, Porter was not under contract for next season.
The NBA investigation into Porter was made public on the same day that Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani denied any involvement in the gambling scandal involving former baseball player interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. Mizuhara is accused of losing millions of dollars at bookmakers in California, where sports betting is illegal, and stealing money from Ohtani to pay off debts.
