On Monday, news broke that the NBA was launching an investigation into Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter, younger brother of Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr., for gambling issues. The NBA discovered multiple instances of betting irregularities over the past few months, involving prop bets on Porter from games on Jan. 26 and March 20.
Any players, teams, or league employees are not allowed to bet on NBA games. In fact, each NBA team has personnel to monitor sports betting, and the league has many data scientists that focus on sports betting anomalies.
Since the news of this investigation broke, Jontay Porter has yet to make a public statement. He has also missed the past couple of Raptors games with the team citing he was out for personal reasons.
Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. speaks about his younger brother
Michael Porter Jr. chose to not speak with the media the night the news broke. Following the Nuggets' loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, the elder Porter did make himself available to the media.
After discussing the outcome of the game, Porter Jr. didn't have much to say regarding his brother. However, he did say that he doubts his brother would put his career in jeopardy.
“I know just as much as you guys know at this point,” said Porter Jr. “I've known my brother my whole life. I know what type of dude he is. He's excited to play basketball, and I highly doubt he'd do anything to put that in jeopardy.”
Michael Porter Jr. on the NBA investigation involving his brother, Jontay Porter: pic.twitter.com/PxOmoMjtNe
— Rachel Strand (@MileHighRachel) March 28, 2024
In the past few years, the world of sports betting has grown astronomically. There are countless advertisements run both in the stadiums and airing during games. Despite this, players are still banned from betting on the NBA.
With the sheer amount of sports betting advertising going on during their games, the Nuggets star was also asked if it's difficult for players to not get involved.
“It's part of the game now,” Porter Jr. continued. “I think that it's obviously a dangerous habit. The love of money is the root of all evil. I think that, even though it is a thing, we as players just have to accept that.
“We get paid a lot of money to play this game. I know that these fans, they want to make some money as well. So if they want to put their hard earnings on us, we appreciate that you put your trust in us I guess. It is definitely something that has taken over the sports world. I don't know if it's a good thing or bad thing.”
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