The NBA has taken disciplinary action against Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter for violating gambling rules. The league’s investigation found that Porter had engaged in various activities that compromised the integrity of NBA games, including disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, placing bets on NBA games, and limiting his participation in games.
The investigation is ongoing, and the NBA has shared its findings with federal prosecutors. NBA commissioner Adam Silver emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of the sport, stating that Porter’s actions would not be tolerated and would be met with severe consequences.
According to Silver, Porter placed a total of 13 bets on NBA games between January and March 2024, totaling $54,094. Despite not playing in any of the games, Porter’s bets included multi-game parlays, one of which was a bet against his own team, the Raptors. The league also cited an example where Porter limited his participation in a game to potentially sway the outcome for betting purposes.
The league also highlighted an incident where a bettor placed a large prop bet on Porter underperforming in a game, which was not paid out due to unusual activity. Silver noted that this case raises questions about the regulatory framework of the betting industry and may lead to a reevaluation of the types of bets offered on NBA games and players.
Ultimately, the NBA’s decision to ban Porter underscores the league’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its games and ensuring fair competition for fans, teams, and all stakeholders involved in the sport.