Word came down last week that Jontay Porter would face felony charges for his role in a sports betting operation that came to light earlier this year.
On Wednesday, Porter formally pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in the federal criminal case that resulted in his permanent ban from the NBA. He was arraigned in a New York federal court and released on a $250,000 bond.
According to ESPN, court documents show the case is related to “an ongoing prosecution of four other men who have been arraigned on a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud but haven’t yet entered any pleas.”
Porter became the first major athlete to be banned for life in North America since PASPA was struck down in 2018, expanding the legalized online sports betting market.
Twice during the 2023-24 season, Porter pulled himself from games after his conspirators placed a significant amount of money on unders for his player props.
The first came in a January game against the Clippers when he faked an injury. The second came in March when he played only three minutes against the Kings before leaving the game, claiming to be sick.
ESPN also notes Porter’s lawyer says the former Toronto Raptor is fully cooperating with authorities and being treated for a gambling addiction. Action Network previously reported that Porter had a VIP account with FanDuel in which he bet millions over a three-year span.
