Ex-NBA star Jontay Porter - who got lifetime gambling ban - returns to basketball despite facing 20 years behind bars
Jontay Porter has resumed his professional basketball career as he awaits sentencing on federal gambling charges following his guilty plea and a lifetime ban from the NBA.
The 26-year-old former Toronto Raptors forward is joining the Seattle SuperHawks of the rebooted United States Basketball League, which is set to begin its season on March 7. The new team also includes Chayce Polynice, the son of former Seattle SuperSonics center Olden.
Porter pleaded guilty in 2024 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud as part of a broader scheme to manipulate gambling outcomes. That felony carries up to 20 years in prison.
He was the first of several high-profile sports figures to face federal charges over gambling allegations in recent years.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, retired NBA journeyman Damon Jones and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups are all facing wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges in related cases. All three have pleaded not guilty in a Brooklyn federal courtroom and remain free on bond.
Jontay Porter has resumed his professional basketball career as he awaits sentencing on federal gambling charges following his guilty plea and a lifetime ban from the NBA
Porter was accused of scheming with gamblers and manipulating his performances to impact betting outcomes for his co-conspirators. In some instances, he removed himself from games citing health concerns, thereby ensuring specific outcomes on particular prop bets with online sportsbooks.
A league investigation also found he violated league rules in 2024 by wagering on 13 games in which he was not playing.
Porter averaged 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 26 games in his final season, including five starts. He also played in 11 games for the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2020-21 season.
The younger, less-heralded brother of Brooklyn Nets star Michael Porter Jr., Jontay's NBA salary was about $410,000.
Meanwhile, the Eastern District of New York have also charged Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz for allegedly fixing wagers on their own performances. They've both pleaded not guilty with trial set for May.
