NBA News: Player Banned From NBA For Life

The NBA has levied the ultimate punishment on Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter by issuing a lifetime ban as a result of his gambling violations, the most serious of which was stunning: betting on his own team to lose.  

Most damning for Porter and the NBA itself: He bet the Raptors to lose, according to league’s investigation. https://t.co/6oKyi0Fhty

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 17, 2024

A cynic would say that, this season, betting on the Raptors to lose was not such an uncommon occurrence... But in all seriousness, Porter violated the cardinal sin of any athlete by betting on (or against) his own team. Pete Rose, baseball's all-time hits leader, knows all too well what can result from that transgression, as he continues to serve his lifetime ban handed out 35 years ago. 

The investigation into Porter (Denver Nuggets NBA champion Michael Porter Jr.'s brother) began back in January after some suspicious betting activity was noted in prop bets involving the Raptors' big man. 

Commissioner Adam Silver was very emphatic in his statement announcing the lifetime ban:

There is nothing more important than protecting the integrity of NBA competition for our fans, our teams and everyone associated with our sport, which is why Jontay Porter’s blatant violations of our gaming rules are being met with the most severe punishment.

The 24-year-old finishes his NBA career by playing in 26 games for Toronto this season, averaging 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists over 13.8 minutes per night.  

Photo; © John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports