Jontay Porter of the Toronto Raptors has been suspended from the league following an inquiry that found he had given over private information to gamblers, played a reduced role in at least one game while with the team, and placed bets on NBA games while competing in the G League.
In a statement confirming Porter’s suspension, the NBA stated that it is still conducting an investigation and that it is providing information to federal authorities. ESPN requested comments from the FBI and the US Department of Justice.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated when the ban was announced,
“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 game rules are being met with the most severe punishment,”
Jontay Porter’s infringement and payouts
After bookies saw unusual wagering on the over/under of the backup center’s stats in two Raptors games, the NBA opened an inquiry in late March.
Porter left the game after just a few minutes of action in both.
Porter disclosed details regarding his personal health to a reputable sports bettor prior to a Sacramento Kings match on March 20, according to the NBA’s investigation. With knowledge of the information, another punter wagered $80,000 on a same-game parlay that included unders on Porter’s stats and won $1.1 million, the NBA reports. Porter on the field for three minutes before being forced to leave due to illness. The wager was made at DraftKings, but it was not reimbursed.
Porter used an associate’s internet betting account to place at least 13 wagers on NBA games, according to the league’s investigation. As per the league, the bets had a total value of $54,094, ranging from $15 to $22,000.
According to the NBA, the wagers yielded a total payout of $76,059, with net wins of $21,965. Porter did not participate in any of the wagers. Parlays accounted for three of the wagers, one of which included a wager on the Raptors to lose. The NBA reports that all three bets were lost.
An increase in interest in betting on the under for a number of Porter’s stats was also noted by sportsbooks prior to a game on January 26 vs the Los Angeles Clippers. Porter only lasted four minutes before leaving the game due to complications from an eye injury he sustained against the Memphis Grizzlies earlier in the week. He ended below the lines sportsbooks had set for his stats, with no points, three rebounds, and one assist.