Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. defended his brother, Toronto Raptors participant Jontay Porter, because the latter confronted an investigation over playing allegations earlier this week.
The investigation centered on prop bets involving Porter on two video games – Jan. 26 towards the Los Angeles Clippers and March 20 towards the Phoenix Suns. The NBA informed Fox News Digital earlier within the week they had been trying into the matter. ESPN first reported the probe.
But the Nuggets ahead used a few of his time with reporters on Wednesday night time to defend his brother after the group misplaced to the Suns. He stated that whereas he didn’t have any extra details about the matter than the media does, he maintained his brother wouldn’t do something to jeopardize his profession within the league.
Nuggets ahead Michael Porter Jr. seems to be to cross the ball as Memphis Grizzlies ahead Santi Aldama defends, Monday, March 25, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
“I’ve known my brother my whole life. I know what type of dude he is and I know he’s excited to play basketball and I highly doubt he would do anything to put that in jeopardy,” Porter stated.
Jontay Porter has but to deal with the scenario publicly and has missed the previous few Raptors video games with the group, citing private causes.
Michael Porter Jr. added that he and others hear about how their performances have affected bettors.
“Yeah, especially the last few years, you hear people in the crowd saying what they need you to score tonight or what they don’t want you to score,” he stated. “Every night you’re disappointing someone. You’re disappointing people if you score too much because they may have bet on the under, and you’re disappointing people if you didn’t score enough.
“So, it is part of the sport now. I believe that it is clearly a harmful behavior. It’s a harmful vice for folks. You know, the love of cash is the basis of all evil. So, I believe that despite the fact that it’s a factor, we as gamers simply have to simply accept that. We receives a commission some huge cash to play this sport and I do know these folks, these followers, they wish to make some cash, as properly….
Jontay Porter of Raptors fights for a rebound with Lindy Waters III of Oklahoma City Thunder in Toronto, Canada, March 22, 2024. (Zou Zheng/Xinhua by way of Getty Images)
76ERS’ KELLY OUBRE JR CURSES AT REFS, COACH NICK NURSE GETS HEATED AFTER CONTROVERSIAL NO-CALL ON FINAL PLAY
“It’s definitely something that has kind of taken over the sporting world – I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing.”
ESPN broke down the scenario involving Jontay Porter, beginning with a Jan. 26 sport towards the Clippers, throughout which “increased betting interest” was discovered on the underneath for Porter’s prop bets.
Before the sport, over/underneath prop bets had been created for Porter in factors (5.5), rebounds (4.5), assists (1.5) and three-pointers made (0.5). Porter, who averages 13.8 minutes per sport this season, would go on to play simply 4 minutes within the sport.
All of his prop bets hit the underneath, as he completed with no factors, three rebounds, one help and no 3-pointers made.
ESPN added DraftKings Sportsbook reported Porter’s three-pointers made underneath was the “biggest money winner for bettors of any NBA player props for games that evening.”
Jontay Porter of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket towards the Magic on March 17, 2024, on the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. (Fernando Medina/NBAE by way of Getty Images)
Then, within the sport towards the Suns, Porter had over/underneath prop bets set for 7.5 factors and 5.5 rebounds. Porter needed to depart with an sickness after taking part in simply three minutes. He did not rating after lacking only one shot try, whereas hauling in two rebounds.
Once once more, DraftKings Sportsbook reported Porter’s unders had been the highest moneymaker bets for the NBA on March 20.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports activities protection on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle publication.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nuggets-star-michael-porter-jr-defends-brother-gambling-probe
