NBA commissioner Adam Silver didn’t mince his words when talking about the possible consequence for Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter if he’s found guilty of possibly influencing betting with his performance on the court.
After the league opened up an investigation into Porter surrounding “betting irregularities” that could implicate the Raptors’ player in manipulating lines, Silver told reporters on Wednesday that the accusations on Porter represent a “cardinal sin,” per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
It’s one that could land Porter with a total ban from playing in the NBA, which is as harsh a punishment as any league can hand down to an athlete.
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.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) April 10, 2024
Our Prince J. Grimes wrote last month about the possibility that Porter could receive a lifetime ban from the NBA, as players influencing bets one way or the other can tarnish the integrity of the game that professional sporting leagues fight vigorously to defend.
If Porter is found to have swayed bets, Silver makes it clear. He will not return to professional basketball in the NBA.
