Jontay Porter gambling addiction: NBA scandal latest
Published:
Jun 11, 2024
In April, Jontay Porter became just the second player to be handed a lifetime ban by the NBA for breaking gambling rules. The former Toronto Raptors player admitted to purposely leaving two games early in order for certain bets placed by associates to win. As a wider investigation into an illegal gambling operation continues to unfold, a statement from Porter’s lawyer to the Associated Press last Friday included:
“...He was in over his head due to a gambling addiction. He is undergoing treatment and has been fully cooperative with law enforcement.”
Porter being in treatment for a gambling addiction illustrates how problem gambling can potentially impact anyone who bets, even an NBA player. Let’s review the timeline of this story and explore the details of what could come next for Porter.
Jontay Porter scandal: Timeline & key details
Irregular betting win on Jontay Porter on January 26, 2024
The timeline begins on January 26, 2024 in a game between the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers. Jontay Porter played just four minutes and 24 seconds in the game and did not score. He did record 1 assist and grabbed 3 rebounds, but he left the game early due to what was claimed to be a reaggravation of an eye injury that he had suffered previously (CBS Sports).
The next day, DraftKings Sportsbook reported that the “Under 0.5 3-Pointers Made” for Porter was the biggest money winner for bettors on their platform the previous night. This raised a few eyebrows since Porter was mostly a bench player who wasn’t too popular, so for his prop to be the one that won users the most money was quite unusual.
A second instance of unusual betting on Jontay Porter
Two months later, a second instance of unusual betting on Porter occurred. On March 20, 2024, the Raptors had a game against the Sacramento Kings. Porter entered the game off the bench but again didn’t last long. He played just 2 minutes and 43 seconds before leaving the game due to an alleged illness (CBS Sports). Porter did not score nor record any assists, but he did tally 2 rebounds before exiting.
Per usual, DraftKings Sportsbook sent out a review of the night before’s biggest money makers for users. Similar to the first game, the “unders” on all of Porter’s props were the biggest money makers for DraftKings users. ESPN reported that multiple DraftKings accounts were trying to place $10,000 to $20,000 bets on the “under” for Porter’s props. One bettor even placed an $80,000 parlay with all of Porter’s “under” that won over $1.1 million (The Athletic), but was ultimately flagged, frozen and not paid out. That’s when Porter became the center of an investigation.
The NBA launches a formal investigation into Jontay Porter
On March 26, 2024, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced an investigation into Porter and the unusual betting patterns. Silver was deeply disappointed in Porter and even said, “It’s a cardinal sin of what he’s accused of in the NBA” (The Athletic, 2).
During the investigation, it was found that Porter was giving inside information to a group of gamblers. He would relay information to take the under on his props and then purposely take himself out of the game after just a few minutes to ensure the “under” would win. In addition to relaying inside information, Porter also placed 13 bets on NBA games using an associate's betting account. Porter’s wagers ranged from $10 to $22,000, and he earned nearly $22,000 from his bets (The Athletic, 2).
Jontay Porter banned from the NBA for life
Porter was given the harshest punishment possible: banishment from the NBA. Commissioner Adam Silver announced the punishment on April 17, 2024, after the investigation proved Porter had violated several rules in the NBA’s gambling policy.
Silver said in a news release at the time, “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.”
Porter became the first player to be banned from the NBA for gambling-related offenses since Jack Molinas in 1954 (CBS Sports).
Wider investigation into illegal gambling ring
In addition to Porter being banned, four men have been arrested in connection with the gambling scheme. Timothy McCormack, Mahmud Mollah, Long Phi Pham, and Ammar Awawdeh were all arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud (ESPN).
Awawdeh was the one who reportedly pressured Porter to resolve gambling debts by leaving games early to guarantee a profit. Mollah was the bettor who placed the $80,000 parlay that won over $1.1 million but ended up not getting paid due to suspicious activity.
Federal prosecutors and the FBI arrested Pham last Monday at JFK airport after he allegedly bought a one-way ticket to Australia following attempts by federal investigators to interview him. He also faces charges of wire fraud.
What’s next for Jontay Porter?
Porter has reportedly been cooperating with investigators, as the four men who were arrested remain in custody. In addition, Porter has begun gambling addiction treatment, per his lawyer. At the moment, his future is blurry.
Porter will not be able to participate in any NBA-related events ever again, but that doesn’t necessarily mean his basketball career is over. He could theoretically play in another unassociated league – in the U.S. or overseas – if they permitted it. For now though, the focus appears to be on his cooperation with the investigation and treatment for gambling disorder.
Gambling Addiction treatment & support options
Gambling problems can affect all types of bettors, so it’s critical to be aware of resources and care options in case you or someone you know begins to struggle with their gambling behaviors. One option for care is Birches Health, a modern healthcare company that offers virtual care that fits your schedule from the comfort of home. Birches has a team of specially trained professionals with decades of experience who can create custom care plans. Plus, many people have a $0 out-of-pocket cost.
Sources:
Timeline of Jontay Porter’s NBA career and gambling investigation that led to ban - The Athletic
Lawyer: Jontay Porter was 'in over his head' with gambling addiction - ESPN
FBI arrests man in connection with ex-NBA player Jontay Porter betting scheme – NBC New York
Jontay Porter Banned From NBA For Violating League’s Gaming Rules | NBA Official
