Since the bombshell news story broke on Monday that Jontay Porter, a center for the Raptors, and the brother of Michael Porter Jr. was being investigated for suspicious sports betting, it’s been the talk of the league.
Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter is out of the lineup and a subject of an NBA investigation into irregularities on prop betting involving him, sources tell @DavidPurdum, @ESPNWindhorst and me. Story soon. pic.twitter.com/DncBNbDptW
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2024
The story has been all over national news outlets and could spell disaster for the NBA as an important media rights deal is set to expire. Jontay Porter has been away from the Raptors and hasn’t been reached for comment.
Michael Porter Jr. speaks
But Michael Porter Jr. played for the Nuggets on Monday night after the news had broken. He declined to speak to the media after the game. But on Wednesday night, MPJ spoke to reporters after the Nuggets’ loss to the Suns and was asked about his brother’s scandal.
He didn’t shed much light on the situation specifically, mostly just speaking about what a good person Jontay is, how much he loves basketball, and how he would never jeopardize his current opportunity with the Raptors.
But in terms of direct knowledge related to the actual situation, Porter Jr. stated, “I know what you guys know”. I highly doubt MPJ knows what is going on, but even if he did, he’d be crazy to reveal anything.
Michael Porter Jr. on his brother Jontay Porter’s situation and sports gambling around the NBA.
— Jake Shapiro (@Shapalicious) March 28, 2024
Important comments -> pic.twitter.com/Fkmuhw1QRD
Nuggets can't afford a distraction
The last thing he wants to do is become involved in this scandal in any way as the Nuggets approach the playoffs with the goal of winning another championship. There is no room for distractions, and while this is in no way Michael’s fault, it’s going to be impossible for him to avoid the situation entirely.
Porter Jr. went on to talk about sports gambling in general, speaking eloquently about the prevalence of betting on NBA games and how he’s constantly hearing from fans who have bet on or against him.
But MPJ seemed to embrace the impact of gambling, and how he actually thinks players should be appreciative that people choose to invest their money in the performances of NBA players and athletes in general.
It was an interesting interview and it’s an explosive topic; one that isn’t going away any time soon. There’s no question that legal betting has helped sports leagues, but it’s a very slippery slope and the NBA needs to be extremely cautious.