In March, the National Basketball Association opened an investigation into prop betting irregularities concerning Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter. The inquiry comes after a series of unusual betting activities were reported over several months, casting a shadow over the integrity of the sport.
Jontay Porter, a player who has oscillated between the NBA and the G League for four seasons, is at the center of this probe. The NBA’s focus is on prop bets involving Porter from games on January 26 and March 20, which have raised suspicions due to the patterns of betting and the outcomes of the wagers.
On January 26, during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, there was a noticeable spike in betting interest on the ‘under’ for Porter’s performance props. The lines were initially set at 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. Porter played only four minutes before exiting the game, citing an eye injury, resulting in the ‘under’ hitting on all prop bets.
A similar scenario unfolded on March 20 in a game against the Phoenix Suns. Porter participated for a mere three minutes before being removed due to illness. The sportsbooks had set his over/under at 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds, and once again, the ‘under’ bets were successful.
The NBA’s gambling policy strictly prohibits players and league employees from betting on any league events, including prop bets. Violations can lead to severe consequences, including fines, suspensions, and even contract terminations.
As the investigation unfolds, the NBA will delve into the details of these bets and Porter’s involvement. The outcome of this probe could have significant repercussions for Porter’s career and the broader NBA community.
For the first time since the investigation has been made public, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has spoken on the topic and revealed that Porter could be banned permanently if the accusations turn out to be true, while calling it a ‘cardinal sin’.
Per ESPN:
“I have an enormous range of discipline available to me,” Silver said at a midtown Manhattan hotel, after the league’s annual board of governors meetings. “But it’s a cardinal sin, what he’s accused of in the NBA, and the ultimate, extreme option I have is to ban him from the game.
“That’s the level of authority I have here. Because there’s nothing more serious, I think, around this league when it comes to gambling: betting on our games. And that is a direct player involvement. And so, the investigation is ongoing, but the consequences could be very severe.”
