New, shocking details have emerged surrounding the betting scandal involving former NBA player Jontay Porter.
The 25-year-old has been permanently banned from the league after an investigation uncovered that he violated several gambling regulations, including disclosing confidential game-related information to sports bettors, limiting his own participation in games to influence bets, and even placing bets on games while playing for the Toronto Raptors in 2024.
Porter‘s role in the betting scheme became clearer after a federal court filing revealed further connections and actions by other individuals involved.
One key figure, Shane Hennen, was arrested on Sunday in connection with the scandal.
Hennen is now facing serious charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, according to the court filing.
Porter’s involvement
According to the court filing, Porter was in constant contact with alleged co-conspirators during several Raptors games in 2024, providing them with inside information on his playing status and availability.
On January 22, 2024, during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Porter allegedly texted his co-conspirators multiple times, giving them updates on his condition and playtime.
In one message, Porter mentioned he was heading to the locker room to have his eye checked, stating: “Idk [sic] if imma play much more.”
He also said: “I’m not starting second half,” and added: “But if it’s garbage time I will shoot a million shots.”
Just days later, on January 26, 2024, ahead of a game against the LA Clippers, Porter allegedly told the conspirators that he would fake an injury and leave the game early.
“Hit unders for the big numbers,” he reportedly texted. “I’m going to play first 2-3-minute stint off the bench then when I get subbed out tell them my eye killing me again.”
Porter allegedly followed through on these actions. He played just a few minutes in the game, recorded minimal stats, and then left after complaining about his eye injury.
The text exchanges between Porter and his co-conspirators included details about large betting wagers on Porter‘s performance, including a $29,382 parlay bet on his points and rebounds and a $3,700 bet on the under for his rebounds.
The involvement of Hennen became even clearer when the co-conspirators forwarded the betting slips to him. Hennen, reportedly, also placed his own “unders” bets on Porter‘s performance.
After the game, Porter’s co-conspirators informed Hennen that they had a positive balance of $1,114 from the successful bets. Hennen then allegedly asked for the money to be transferred to his own bank account.
This was not an isolated incident. Similar messages were exchanged between Porter and the co-conspirators during the Raptors‘ game against the Sacramento Kings on March 20, 2024.
Porter again allegedly provided information that he would take himself out of the game early due to feeling ill. He played only three minutes in that game, recording no points and two rebounds, before exiting after complaining of his condition.
