While the player’s sentencing hearing was scheduled for December 18, it was pushed back to May next year
The growing popularity of sports betting continues to raise concerns about the impact of the activity on the consumers, as well as professional and collegiate sports. While some states reported increases in their gambling help hotlines, the impact on sports was equally as concerning, amid threats from disgruntled gamblers and integrity concerns and allegations.
One such case earlier this year involved the Toronto Raptors center, Jontay Porter. The professional basketball player was accused of manipulating two games. Ultimately, the famous player was banned by the National Basketball Association (NBA) earlier this year and faces charges.
The NBA Player to Return to Court in May
Initially, Porter’s sentencing hearing was scheduled for this week Wednesday. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the hearing was rescheduled to next year. Porter is expected to appear in a Brooklyn, New York federal courthouse for his hearing on May 20, 2025. Previously, the Raptors’ former player pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The charges the former NBA player is facing carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. However, Porter, if found guilty, may receive a sentence in the ballpark of 41 to 51 months because of extenuating circumstances.
In a recent interview with Sportsnet, Peter Czegledy, an expert partner at Aird and Berlis, said that it is likely for Porter to receive a tough punishment. “This is a high-profile case, involving premeditated and repeat misconduct over a period of time by a public individual who should be acting as a role model, so that will not be in his favor,” he explained.
Gambling addiction is recognized as an extenuating factor in the trial and according to Czegledy, this may assist Porter. Still, the expert predicted that the court would be “very careful in its deliberations,” adding that the former Raptors’ player may face financial restitution in combination with prison time as punishment for actions.
Early Leave from Two Games Flagged Betting Transactions
Porter participated in two games earlier this year and left both of them early due to injury. One of the games was played in January, while the other one was in March. The early leave of the then-Raptors player enabled bettors to take advantage of proposition bets on his performance.
However, those bets were easily identified by the betting operators who launched investigations into the activities and reported them to the relevant authorities. Czegledy acknowledged the proactiveness of the sportsbooks that have become victims to the illicit activity, adding that it is no surprise that Porter is facing litigation in the United States.
The expert pointed to Porter’s dedication to reach one of the toughest Leagues, the NBA, but deemed this as an “empty achievement,” in light of the actions that forever stained the player’s reputation. “Apart from the criminal proceedings, the NBA has banned him for life, the most severe penalty possible, and one meted out very rarely,” he added.
