Jontay Porter, the former Toronto Raptors forward, will be sentenced today in Brooklyn federal court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a high-profile sports betting scandal. Porter’s actions, which involved intentionally underperforming in games to benefit bettors, led to his lifetime ban from the NBA in April 2024. He now faces a potential prison sentence ranging from 41 to 51 months.
The investigation into Porter began in early 2024 when the NBA discovered that he had placed 13 bets on NBA games between January and March, including bets against his own team. It was also revealed that Porter intentionally left two games early—on January 26 and March 20—citing false injuries or illnesses, all to manipulate game outcomes in favor of his betting partners.
Documents from the case reveal that Porter’s involvement was driven by mounting gambling debts. He joined a group of conspirators who collectively profited over $1 million through rigged bets. “Porter’s actions were deliberate and designed to influence the outcomes of these games,” court filings stated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Robbins highlighted the severe breach of trust involved: “By manipulating game results for personal gain, Porter undermined the integrity of the game,” Robbins said, stressing the need to protect the fairness of sports.
Porter expressed remorse during a court appearance in July 2024, acknowledging his wrongdoing: “I deeply regret the harm I caused to the game I love and take full responsibility for my actions.” As part of his plea agreement, he waived the right to appeal any sentence under 57 months.
The NBA’s response was swift and decisive, issuing a lifetime ban on Porter in April 2024, marking the first such ban since 1954. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated, “This case underscores our unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game.”
The scandal has also led to charges against several other individuals involved in the conspiracy. One, Mahmud Mollah, pleaded guilty in October 2024 and will be sentenced in May 2025.
Porter, who was released on a $250,000 bond and is seeking counseling for his gambling issues, now stands as a stark reminder of the dangers of gambling in professional sports. His sentencing is expected to set an important precedent in how the legal system addresses similar violations in the future.
