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, formerly with the Toronto Raptors, entered the plea during his arraignment at a New York federal court and was granted release on a $250,000 bond.
His legal counsel previously stated Porter was cooperating with authorities while undergoing treatment for a gambling addiction.
Court documents revealed Porter’s involvement in a case linked to ongoing prosecutions of four other individuals, all facing charges related to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to the complaint, these individuals allegedly profited by betting on inside information about NBA games, including Porter’s early exits from two games, which were part of the scheme to manipulate betting outcomes.
The NBA’s investigation corroborated that Porter had gambled on league games and provided confidential health information to bettors.
During the court hearing, Porter admitted to leaving games early as part of a plan to settle significant gambling debts, enabling him and his accomplices to profit from bets against his performance.
Porter, whose sentencing is scheduled for December 18, faces a potential prison term ranging from just under three and a half years to a little over four years, along with substantial restitution and possible fines.
The complaint detailed instances where Porter withdrew from games prematurely, citing injury or illness, resulting in performance statistics that fell short of sportsbooks’ expectations.
Following the league’s investigation, Porter was found to have also placed bets on NBA 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, including five starts with the Toronto Raptors. He previously played for the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2020-21 season.
His NBA salary for the season was approximately $410,000.
