Jontay Porter has recently gained a lot of attention in the NBA but for all the wrong reasons. While many players and coaches revealed their shocking experiences with gambling, Porter was speculated to have been a part of it.
After getting axed from the Raptors squad last month, he still awaits the verdict on his future due to the allegations. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has now spoken about the issue and he had some stern words for the 24-year-old as the situation worsens for the Raptors forward.
Adam Silver addresses Jontay Porter’s betting allegations
An annual meeting was held at a Manhattan hotel between the NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and the board of governors. Jontay Porter’s controversial betting case was one of the discussions that came up in the meeting. When asked about it, Silver opened up about the issue without disclosing any details of the inspection.
“I have an enormous range of discipline available to me,” Silver emphasized. “But it’s a cardinal sin, what he’s accused of in the NBA, and the ultimate, extreme option I have is to ban him from the game.” Since the Commissioner is responsible for finalizing the punishment Porter would receive, Silver revealed the “extreme option” he will be left with if the Raptors’ center is found guilty.
Talking about the measures that need to be taken to avoid betting issues amongst the players and league staff in the future, Silver added, “We may have to adjust our rules and our partner gaming companies and those companies that aren’t our partners may have to adjust their behavior as well.”
Last month, the NBA’s investigation committee started inquiring about Porter’s involvement in betting after observing his fishy activities in two previous games (Jan. 26 against the LA Clippers and March 20 against the Sacramento Kings). As of now, no further information has been disclosed to the public. Until the investigation is over, his future in the league remains uncertain.
Jontay Porter’s future in NBA hangs in balance
Ever since the speculation about Jontay Porter’s association with gambling arose, the player has been excluded from the Toronto franchise’s roster. Porter’s surety of returning to the hardwood will depend on whether or not he is found at fault in the investigation.
According to the league’s rules, if a player is found guilty he could be suspended, face hefty fines, his contract can be terminated, or, as the NBA commissioner mentioned, the player could be permanently banned from the league.
On top of that, Porter didn’t have much luck in the league. After appearing for the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2020-2021 season, he was mostly spotted in the G-League. A ray of light could be seen when he joined the Raptors and averaged 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 26 games, but his involvement in gambling has put that light out as well.
