Amid last season's NBA betting scandal, former Raptors big man Jontay Porter was banned by the league and faces a prison sentence on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
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Now, released court documents have revealed that Porter was actually texting his co-conspirators during games to provide updates.
In particular, at halftime during a Raptors vs. Grizzlies game (108-100 loss) on January 22, 2024, Porter sent multiple texts to two bettors (via The Athletic).
Jontay Porter really was texting bettors DURING GAMES
This is crazy 🤯
(via The Athletic) pic.twitter.com/InQOw1HOY4
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 13, 2025
He indicated that he didn't expect to play in the second half because of an eye injury (corneal abrasion), but pointed out that if he returned to the court in garbage time: "I will shoot a million shots."
"I went back to locker room to get eye checked on."
"Idk if imma play much more"
"I'm not starting second half"
"But if it's garbage time I will shoot a million shots."
"Hit unders for the big numbers," Porter said. "I told [Co-Conspirator 2] no blocks no steals. I'm going to play first 2-3 minute stint off the bench then when I get subbed out tell them my eye killing me again."
Porter played four minutes in the loss, and finished with 0 points, three rebounds and one assist to go with 0 blocks and steals, so essentially the "under" hit on all of the props.
The report indicated: "A sportsbook industry source told ESPN that multiple betting accounts attempted to bet large amounts, upward of $10,000 and $20,000, on Porter unders in the January game against the Clippers."
It was also indicated that in another game on March 20 vs. the Sacramento Kings (89-123 loss), there was suspicious activity flagged, when Porter left the game early with an illness after playing only three minutes.
He ended that game with 0 points and two rebounds, when his over/under props were set at 7.5 and 5.5 rebounds.
The next day, DraftKings Sportsbook reported in a media release that Porter's prop bets were the No. 1 moneymaker from the night in the NBA (per ESPN).
Ultimately, Porter's motive for participating in this scam was "to get out from under large gambling debts."
During the 2023-24 season, Porter appeared in 26 games, averaging 4.4 points (38.5% FG; 33.3% 3PT), 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 blocks, 0.3 steals in 13.8 minutes per game.
