Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter is facing a potential permanent ban from the NBA following betting irregularities on league games.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said after the league’s annual board of governor meetings on Wednesday that Porter is facing a permanent ban for his alleged wagering on his own performances. Last month, the NBA opened an investigation into Porter after DraftKings reported that one of his player props was the biggest money maker of any NBA prop on Jan. 26. That day, the Raptors faced the Los Angeles Clippers with Porter failing to attempt a three-pointer. DraftKings’ most bet prop was the under for Porter threes at 0.5.
“I have an enormous range of discipline available to me,” said Silver after the annual 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.”
The NBA is also investigating another contest that saw Porter allegedly wager on himself. On March 20, the Raptors faced the Sacramento Kings. DraftKings also reported heavy action on Porter’s under player props. The 24-year-old would only play three minutes in the contest and would finish with zero points, two rebounds, and no attempted three-pointers.
Porter left the contest between the Kings early due to an undisclosed illness.
The NBA, like other major sports leagues in North America, prohibits players, coaches, and other officials from betting on league events. The league holds the right to fine, suspend, or terminate the contract of anyone found guilty of impermissible wagering.
Gambling issues outside the NBA
On Thursday, the former interpreter of MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani was charged with bank fraud amid allegations of stealing more than $16 million from the reigning American League MVP, according to a criminal complaint.
Ippei Mizuhara allegedly stole at least $16 million from Ohtani’s bank account to cover gambling losses with an illegal sportsbook. Mizuhara is expected to plead guilty.
