It was reported back in late March that Toronto Raptors big man Jontay Porter was under investigation by the NBA for placing prop bets on himself during games earlier this season.
Per that report, the investigation started due to multiple betting irregularities involving Porter from Jan. 26 to Mar. 26.
“Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter is under investigation by the NBA following multiple instances of betting irregularities over the past several months, multiple sources told ESPN on Monday,” Adrian Wojnarowski reported at the time.
Fast forward over two weeks, and Porter has remained away from the Raptors. The prop bets involved over/under on points scored by the former Missouri star and other aspects of his game.
In a game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan. 26, there was irregular betting interest on the under for bets relating to Porter. They stood at 5.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. That night saw Porter play just four minutes before leaving with what the Raptors noted was a re-aggravation of an eye injury. He did not score a single point in said game.
Related: 10 biggest betting scandals in sports history
Adam Silver hints at Jontay Porter being banished from the NBA
“Adam Silver says what Jontay Porter is accused of is a ‘cardinal sin’ and that punishment for it could go up to banishment from the league,” ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported on Wednesday.
All of this comes at a time when betting scandals have rocked the sports world. Multiple NFL players have been suspended for betting on football games. Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is part of an investigation by MLB after his interpreter was fired for allegedly stealing money from the two-way start to pay off gambling debts.
All the while, professional sports leagues like the NBA have increased their relationships with betting sites. That includes FanDuel and DraftKings. It certainly is a tight rope to walk.