Jontay Porter, who was banned from the NBA after admitting he helped gamblers by intentionally underperforming in games, asked a federal court on Tuesday for permission to resume his playing career in Greece.
Jontay Porterwho was banned from the NBA after admitting he helped gamblers by intentionally underperforming in games, asked a federal court on Tuesday for permission to resume his playing career in Greece.
Porter, in a letter sent by lawyer Jeff Jensen, asks that some conditions of his bail be modified so that he can recover his American passport, be able to travel in Europe and reside in Patras, Greece. Jensen told the court that Porter would play for Greek club Promitheas BC.
Prosecutors do not oppose the request, Jensen wrote.
“The proposed modification would allow Mr. Porter to pursue a very fortunate – and rapidly diminishing – opportunity to earn income through his primary skill set,” Jensen wrote. “Mr. Porter, and more importantly, his agent, believe it is unlikely that such an opportunity will arise again. … Since being banned from the NBA, there have been no other opportunities available to continue his basketball career. Porter has a limited window to earn income through professional basketball during his early earning years as a professional athlete.
Porter, 24, pleaded guilty last month to one count of federal conspiracy in scandal this got him banned from the league. He is free on $250,000 bail pending sentencing scheduled for Dec. 18, and prosecutors estimate he could face a prison sentence of just under three and a half years to just over four years.
Jensen said Porter “was lost due to his gambling addiction.” Porter told the court he underwent hospital rehabilitation for a period gambling problem and remains in therapy, which is being done virtually and would not be affected by a move to Greece, Jensen said. The Greek club has also arranged in-person counseling for Porter and plans to invite his mother and mother-in-law to regularly be with Porter and his wife in Greece to provide additional family support. Porter’s wife is also expecting a baby, Jensen said.
Porter averaged 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 26 games, including five starts for Toronto last season. He also played in 11 games for Memphis in the 2020-21 season.
Porter was banned by NBA commissioner Adam Silver in April after a league investigation found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors and bet on games.
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