If you commit the offense, you might face the consequence.
As the NBA delves deeper into its investigation of Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter regarding sports betting allegations, the potential repercussions could be the most severe within the league’s authority to impose.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has characterized Porter’s alleged actions as a “cardinal sin” in basketball, suggesting that if proven true, the punishment could extend to “banishment from the league,” according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
“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,” according to Bontemps.
The NBA has historically reserved such extreme measures for rare instances. Notably, only two individuals have been banned in the last quarter-century: former Clippers owner Donald Sterling and former No. 3 overall pick O.J. Mayo. It has been over half a century since the league last permanently banned someone for gambling-related issues.
Silver emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting that direct player involvement in gambling and betting on NBA games is among the most serious offenses. He underscored the ongoing investigation and the potential for severe consequences.
Porter’s case has sparked broader discussions regarding the implications of the rise of sports betting and the increasing involvement of American sports leagues in it. There are concerns about potential future risks and the need for measures to mitigate them.
Regarding Porter specifically, absent any unforeseen developments, it appears increasingly likely that his tenure in the NBA, let alone with the Raptors, may be coming to an end.
