NBA issues lifetime ban on Jontay Porter for gambling

The NBA announced a lifetime ban for Toronto Raptors two-way center Jontay Porter on Wednesday following an investigation into gambling allegations. The issue stemmed from prop bets placed on Porter from Jan. 26 to March 20. NBA officials found that Porter “disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, limited his own participation in one or more games for betting purposes and bet on NBA games.” Per the league’s press release, Porter’s actions are still under continued investigation.

According to the league’s initial findings, while traveling with the Raptors or Raptors 905, the NBA G League affiliate, Porter placed at least 13 bets on NBA games using an associate’s online betting account. These bets ranged in size from $15 to $22,000, for a total of $54,094. The total payout from these bets was $76,059, resulting in net winnings of $21,965. None of the bets involved any game in which Porter played. Three of the bets were multi-game parlay bets that included one Raptors game, in which Porter bet that the Raptors would lose. All three bets lost.

“There is nothing more important than protecting the integrity of NBA competition for our fans, our teams and everyone associated with our sport, which is why Jontay Porter’s blatant violations of our gaming rules are being met with the most severe punishment,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.
“While legal sports betting creates transparency that helps identify suspicious or abnormal activity, this matter also raises important issues about the sufficiency of the regulatory framework currently in place, including the types of bets offered on our games and players.

“Working closely with all relevant stakeholders across the industry, we will continue to work diligently to safeguard our league and game.”

Porter accused of limiting participation to influence outcome

Beginning in a Jan. 26 matchup against the LA Clippers, there was an increased amount of bets on the under for Porter’s props, which were set at 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.5 3-pointers.

Porter played only four minutes that night before leaving the game with a reaggravation of an eye injury he suffered four days earlier against the Grizzlies. He hit the under on all of his props.

DraftKings reported that the under on Porter’s 3-pointer prop was the biggest winner from any game that day. Porter returned to the lineup two days later and played 19 minutes, recording 12 points and seven rebounds.

On another game in question on March 20 vs. the Phoenix Suns, Porter entered the contest with over/unders set at 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. He played three minutes before leaving the game with an illness and never returning. Once again, the under on Porter’s props were the No. 1 winner the next day according to DraftKings.

NBA players, alongside all league employees, are prohibited from betting on any league events, including prop bets. Violations of the policy could include fines, suspensions and possible termination of contracts, among other actions.