Court documents have shed light this week on the sports betting case involving former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter. Porter reportedly sent messages to alleged accomplices while playing in an official NBA game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 22, 2024. In one of the texts, after suffering an eye injury, Porter wrote: “I don’t know if I’m going to play much more. I won’t start the second half. But if it’s garbage time, I’ll take a million shots.”
This message was part of the evidence presented following the arrest of Shane Hennen, 39, in Las Vegas as he attempted to board a flight to Colombia. Hennen, the sixth defendant in the case, was carrying several cell phones and $10,000 in cash at the time of his arrest.
PORTER BANNED FROM THE NBA
Porter, who pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison. He was banned for life from the NBA following his plea. According to court documents, Porter also provided inside information for a March 20 game, assuring his accomplices that he would withdraw from the game due to his eye injury.
One of the messages sent by Porter to a co-conspirator was forwarded to Hennen days after the game against the Grizzlies, detailing how he would limit his performance in the meet to favor betting. “Bet on low numbers. No blocks, no steals. I’m going to play 2-3 minutes off the bench and then say my eye is killing me again,” the message specified.
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS AND REPUTATION AT STAKE
The court documents do not directly identify Porter, referring to him only as “NBA Player 1.” However, the context and information match his case, especially after his guilty plea was confirmed. This case highlights the risks associated with insider trading in sports betting, a problem that continues to challenge sports leagues.
With his sentencing – scheduled for May 20 – Porter faces legal consequences and an indelible impact on his personal and professional reputation.