Jontay Porter, who was banned from the NBA after admitting to aiding bettors by underperforming in games, has requested permission from a federal court to resume his playing career in Greece.
In a letter sent by his attorney, Jeff Jensen, Porter is seeking modifications to his bond conditions to regain his U.S. passport, allowing him to travel within Europe and reside in Patras, Greece. Jensen informed the court that Porter would join the Greek club Promitheas BC. Prosecutors have not opposed this request, according to Jensen.
“The proposed modification would allow Mr. Porter to pursue a very fortunate — and quickly diminishing — opportunity to earn income through his primary skillset,” Jensen wrote. “Mr. Porter, and more importantly his agent, believe such an opportunity is unlikely to arise again. … Since being banned from the NBA there have been no other opportunities available to continue his basketball career. Mr. Porter has a limited window to earn an income through professional basketball during his prime earning years as a professional athlete.”
Porter, 24, pleaded guilty last month to a federal conspiracy charge related to the scandal that led to his NBA ban. He is currently free on a $250,000 bond while awaiting sentencing, scheduled for December 18. Prosecutors have estimated his potential prison sentence to range from just under three and a half years to a little over four years.
Jensen stated that Porter’s involvement was influenced by a gambling addiction. Porter has undergone inpatient rehab for his gambling problem and continues therapy virtually, which Jensen noted would not be disrupted by the move to Greece. The Greek club has also arranged for in-person counseling, and Porter’s mother and mother-in-law plan to regularly join him and his wife in Greece to provide additional family support. Additionally, Porter’s wife is expecting a baby.
During the last NBA season, Porter averaged 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 26 games, including five starts for Toronto. He also played in 11 games for Memphis in the 2020-21 season. Porter was banned by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in April following a league investigation that found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors and wagered on games.
