Former NBA Player Jontay Porter to Be Sentenced in Sports Betting Scandal

Jontay Porter, the former Toronto Raptors forward, is set to be sentenced today in Brooklyn federal court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Former NBA Player Jontay Porter to Be Sentenced in Sports Betting Scandal

“Porter’s withdrawal from these games was not due to legitimate injuries but a calculated move to manipulate game outcomes.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Robbins stated:

“Mr. Porter violated the fundamental trust placed in athletes, sabotaging games for personal financial gain.”

He added:

“This case underscores the importance of protecting the integrity of athletic competitions.”

As part of his plea agreement, he waived the right to appeal any sentence under 57 months.

NBA’s Response and Fallout

In April 2024, the NBA imposed a lifetime ban on Porter, making him the first player banned since 1954. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement at the time:

“We hold our players to the highest ethical standards. This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game.”

The scandal extends beyond Porter, as four other individuals were charged with conspiracy to defraud a sports betting company. One of the conspirators, Mahmud Mollah, pleaded guilty in October 2024 and is awaiting sentencing in May 2025.

Porter, who was released on a $250,000 bond and has since sought gambling counseling, now serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of gambling within professional sports.

Porter’s sentencing is expected to set a precedent for how the legal system addresses similar violations in the future.

Jenny Tang

An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.