Jontay Porter of the Toronto Raptors is suspended by the NBA for breaking the gambling regulations of the league.
The investigation, initiated in March after peculiar betting trends surrounding Porter surfaced, led to the discovery of his infractions against league rules. These violations included disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, manipulating his own participation in games for betting purposes, and placing bets on NBA games.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized the paramount importance of upholding the integrity of NBA competitions and expressed strong condemnation for Porter’s blatant rule violations.
Silver also highlighted broader concerns about the adequacy of the current regulatory framework, particularly regarding the types of bets offered on NBA games and players, underscoring the need for continued collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure the league’s integrity.
The NBA stated its cooperation with federal prosecutors, sharing information pertinent to the case, and indicated that the investigation remains ongoing with the possibility of further revelations.
The Toronto Raptors issued a statement expressing full support for the league’s decision and pledged continued cooperation with the ongoing investigations.
CNN reached out for comment from Porterโs representatives, but no response has been provided as of yet.
Frozen $80,000 Bet:
The investigation revealed that Porter disclosed confidential health information to an individual known to be an NBA bettor prior to a game on March 20. Subsequently, another party associated with Porter placed an $80,000 bet on Porter performing below expectations in that game, potentially winning $1.1 million. However, the NBA froze this bet due to suspicious betting activity and Porter’s actions.
The NBA also found evidence suggesting that Porter manipulated his own participation in games to influence bets on his performance in Toronto games.
Moreover, Porter placed at least 13 bets on NBA games between January and March of the current year, totaling $54,094, with bets ranging from $15 to $22,000. His total winnings amounted to $76,059, resulting in net profits of $21,965.
While Porter did not participate in any of the games on which he wagered, he made multiple unsuccessful bets on a Raptors game in which he predicted Toronto’s defeat. Throughout the season, Porter averaged almost 14 minutes and just over four points per game in the 26 games he played for the Raptors.