Jontay Porter Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in Betting Case

Former NBA player Jontay Porter pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a federal gambling scandal that led to his banishment from the league earlier this year.

Porter, a former Toronto Raptors center, entered his plea during an arraignment in a New York federal court and was granted release on a $250,000 bond. His legal team had previously stated that Porter was cooperating with authorities while undergoing treatment for a gambling addiction.

According to court documents, Porter's case is linked to an ongoing prosecution involving four other individuals who are accused of conspiring to profit from inside information provided by an NBA player. This information allegedly involved early game exits, which were exploited for betting gains on his underperformance.

While the player in question was not named in the complaint, details corresponded with an NBA investigation that resulted in Porter's expulsion from the league. The investigation concluded that Porter had engaged in betting on NBA games and disclosed confidential health information to bettors.

During his court appearance, Porter admitted to withdrawing early from games to alleviate substantial gambling debts, facilitating winning bets with his co-conspirators. "I know what I did was wrong, unlawful, and I am deeply sorry," Porter stated.

Porter is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18, facing a potential prison term ranging from just under three and a half years to slightly over four years. He is also likely to be ordered to pay substantial restitution and fines.

The complaint detailed instances where Porter, prompted by one of the accused, withdrew from games citing injury or illness shortly after entering, resulting in performances below sportsbooks' expectations for points, rebounds, and assists.

Amid the investigation, Porter allegedly messaged the accused about potential legal repercussions and instructed them on deleting evidence from their phones. The NBA inquiry revealed additional instances where Porter placed bets on games in which he did not participate, including wagering against his own team.

Porter, 24, averaged 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 26 games during the season, with five starts. He also appeared in 11 games for the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2020-21 season.