"Don't end this mans life for gambling" - NBA fans react to Jontay Porter seeking judge's permission to play basketball in Greece

Early this month, Jontay Porter was “charged with a federal felony connected to sports betting scandal,” according to a report by ESPN. A few days later, he pleaded guilty to the accusations. The NBA had already banned him in April but a federal court could send him to prison for over four years.

Porter was with the Toronto Raptors when the league investigated him for betting irregularities. After extensive digging, the league found out he had “violated rules by disclosing confidential information to sports bettors.” Additionally, the former Memphis Grizzlies forward also bet on personal player parlays.

While waiting for the sentencing, which will reportedly be handed down in December, Jontay Porter is hoping to play basketball. David Purdum reported on ESPN:

“In court documents filed Tuesday in the Eastern District of New York, attorneys for Porter asked to modify his release to allow him to play for Promitheas BC in the Greek Basketball League and Champions League in Europe.”

Basketball fans on X, formerly Twitter, promptly reacted:

“They should let him go. Dont end this mans life for gambling…..”

One fan couldn’t resist trolling:

“they don’t have Fan Duel in Greece?”

Another fan commented:

“One airball and the team looking at him funny”

Somebody pointed out how it would be different for other violators:

“But if this was any of us we getting 12 years”

The Greek team that Jontay Porter wants to play for is reportedly aware of his situation but is willing to employ him. Details of a potential contract are undisclosed. If permitted to do as requested, he will be living in Patras, Greece where he would be available for “in-person” counseling.

---

What were Jontay Porter’s violations?

NBA Insider Ben Golliver detailed some of Porter’s violations in a post on X, formerly Twitter:

The NBA's investigation into Jontay Porter revealed:

“He bet at least 13 times on NBA games through a friend's account

He bet $54,094 on NBA games & won $21,965

He didn't bet on games he played

“He bet on the Raptors to lose”

Porter was on a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors when the betting allegations came out. He played 26 games, five of which as a starter and averaged 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Ammar Awawdeh, Timothy McCormack, Mahmud Mollah and Long Phi Pham were the four other men who were also charged with “conspiracy to commit wire fraud.”

---