Former Toronto Raptors star Jontay Porter was banned from the NBA in April of this year. His ban came for his involvement in a gambling scheme that violated league rules. Porter had disclosed confidential information to sports bettors ahead of the Raptors’ March 20 game.
As a result of Porter’s actions, the NBA has requested sportsbooks not to include unders on player props for those on two-way or 10-day contracts. Several major betting platforms, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, ESPN BET, and Caesars Sportsbook, have confirmed to adhere to the restrictions. This decision, much like the ones seen in NFL betting involving popular athletes such as Justin Jefferson, aims to combat potential manipulation in betting, especially concerning players with limited playing time.
Justin Jefferson, a standout wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, has taken the NFL by storm since his debut in 2020. Known for his elite route running and game-changing plays, Jefferson is one of the league’s most exciting young stars. His performance consistently impacts betting lines, making Justin Jefferson player odds a hot topic among football enthusiasts.
However, the league remains committed to maintaining a fair and honest playing environment, free from the negative impact of gambling schemes. An NBA spokesperson praised these measures.
“We are pleased that these actions have been taken to help protect the integrity of our games,” the spokesperson said.
Between January and March 2024, Porter reportedly placed at least 13 bets on NBA games, with amounts ranging from $15 to $22,000. In total, he wagered $54,094.
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His actions were discovered when sportsbooks noticed unusual betting patterns, particularly on the over for Porter’s statistics in two Raptors games. This irregular activity raised red flags, leading to an investigation and, ultimately, Porter’s ban from the league.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Explains Strict Punishment For Jontay Porter
Jontay Porter was on a two-way contract with the Raptors before his ban. While announcing his ban, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver explained why the league took such strict action against Porter.
“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,” Silver said.
Besides his ban from the NBA, Porter also faces legal consequences. The former Raptors star is scheduled for sentencing on December 18 in New York.
