The Denied Request of Banned NBA Player Jontay Porter to Play Professional Basketball in Greece

Recently, Jontay Porter, a banned NBA player, had his request to play professional basketball in Greece denied by a federal judge. The judge, LaShann DeArcy Hall, refused to give Porter permission to play for Promitheas BC in the Greek Basketball League and Champions League in Europe. This denial came one week after Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to a betting scandal.

Porter’s attorneys had requested for their client’s U.S. passport to be returned and for him to be allowed to travel to Europe and reside in Patras, Greece, with his wife and the baby they are expecting. The request was unopposed by both the United States attorney’s office and the United States pretrial services officer. Porter is scheduled to be sentenced in New York on Dec. 18.

According to a letter from Porter’s attorneys to Judge Hall, his overseas plans would not interfere with any of his legal obligations. They also mentioned that Promitheas BC officials are aware that Porter could be called back to the United States „at a moment’s notice.“ Furthermore, Porter would continue his treatment plan for gambling addiction while overseas, with opportunities available for in-person counseling in Greece.

Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in federal court for his involvement in a betting scandal regarding prop bets on his statistics in two games. As a result, he was banned from the NBA and could potentially face a prison sentence ranging from 3 1/2 to over four years. Additionally, four other individuals have also been charged in connection to the case.

The denial of Jontay Porter’s request to play professional basketball in Greece serves as a reminder of the consequences of being involved in illegal activities. Despite his plea and willingness to continue his treatment plan while abroad, Porter’s past actions have led to severe repercussions, including being banned from the NBA and facing potential jail time. This situation highlights the importance of abiding by the law and upholding the integrity of professional sports.