Jontay Porter, the former Toronto Raptors forward, was recently banned from the NBA for life and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to an illegal betting scandal. As a result, he could potentially face up to four years in prison. Despite these setbacks, Porter is determined to continue his basketball career.
After his guilty plea, the 24-year-old Porter was released on a $250,000 bond and was required to forfeit his passport. His lawyer, Jeff Jensen, requested permission from Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall to allow Porter to play professional basketball in Greece for Promitheas B.C., the country’s top league, and live there with his wife, who is expecting a child.
Jensen argued that this opportunity would enable Porter to earn income through his basketball skills, which is his primary means of livelihood. Since being banned from the NBA, Porter has not had any other opportunities to continue his basketball career, and time is of the essence as he is in his prime earning years as a professional athlete.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the United States Pretrial Services Officer did not oppose Porter’s request. However, The Athletic reported that his motion to modify the conditions of his pre-sentence release was denied. This would have allowed him to have his U.S. passport returned, travel to and reside in Patras, Greece, and play professional basketball there.
