Jontay Porter Pleads Guilty in NBA Gambling Scheme
Jontay Porter Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
Former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter pleaded guilty Wednesday in a federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Porter, who has been banned for life from the NBA from betting on games, was released on $250,000 bond as he awaits sentencing in December. Prosecutors are recommending at least 41 months in prison for Porter, 24. Ultimately, that’s to be determined by a judge, who could rule anywhere from no prison time to 20 years. Porter is also facing thousands of dollars in restitution and fines.
“I know what I did was wrong, unlawful, and I am deeply sorry,” Porter said, adding that he was motivated to “get out from large gambling debts.”
Here’s the latest as Jontay Porter pleads guilty.
Porter Bet on Own Team
Jontay Porter pleaded guilty is connected to a case in which four other men have also been implicated. Porter confirmed findings from an NBA investigation that revealed he’d given bettors confidential information about his health to help them profit. Porter exited at least one game because of bets, and in one instance he also wagered on his own team.
According to a court complaint, one of the four men persuaded Porter to clear his gambling debts by taking himself out of games to allow certain player props to clear. Porter wound up leaving games early on Jan. 26 and March 20 while claiming illness or injury. In both instances, his sportsbook props — including points, rebounds and assists — failed to cover.
One gambler was on track to collect more than $1 million in winnings before the sportsbook grew suspicious and locked his account.
The complaint states that some alleged conspirators agreed to split a quarter of the March 20 game winnings with Porter. The four men have been arraigned on conspiracy to commit wire fraud but have not entered pleas.
The NBA found that Porter, who split time between the Raptors and their G League team, Raptors 905, placed at least 13 wagers on NBA games through an associate’s betting account. Porter also bet on games in which he didn’t play, including once against his own team.
After the NBA began its investigation, the player messaged some of the men, warning they “might get hit with a rico,” seemingly referring to a racketeering charge.
Porter Seeking Treatment
Neither Porter nor his lawyer spoke with reporters at court. His attorney, Jeff Jensen, previously called Porter a “good young man with strong faith that will get him through this.”
Porter told the court he’s undergone treatment for a gambling problem and remains in therapy.
Porter, whose NBA salary was about $410,000, averaged 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 26 games (five starts) this season with Toronto.
The NBA prohibits players from betting on league scores or odds or any of its properties.
Since the scandal, the NBA has held meetings to combat online betting and similar incidents from occurring.
Stay tuned for more updates as Jontay Porter pleads guilty.
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