The investigation in the United States progressed quickly as several arrests were made in connection with the case Jontay Porterthe brother of Michael Porter Jr. having thus tampered with his performances to repay gambling debts, contracted with several people, who thus put pressure on him…
Except Jontay Porter played for the Raptors and Ontario authorities announced have also opened a criminal investigation in connection with the case, which will be linked to the American investigation.
For the moment, no charges have been officially announced against the basketball player, who collaborated with investigators, explaining that he had been overwhelmed by his addiction to betting.
Gambling and betting addiction
“Jontay is a good young man, with a strong faith that will allow him to overcome this ordeal” Jeff Jensen, his lawyer, recently explained. “He was overwhelmed by events due to a gambling addiction. He is currently undergoing treatment and is cooperating fully with law enforcement.”
To pay off his debts, Jontay Porter would have been encouraged “to withdraw prematurely from certain matches” to ensure winnings via betting. Notably on January 26, against the Clippers, then on March 20, against the Kings.
But the bets on this last match were obviously so aberrant that they immediately caught the eye of bookmakers and the authorities. A single bet of $80,000 (on a stat line under certain values combined with points, rebounds, 3-pointers and assists) alone would have brought in $1.1 million.
Less than a month after the fact, Jontay Porter was in any case banned for life from the NBA by Adam Silver.
