Toronto Raptors backup big man Jontay Porter is reportedly being investigated for multiple instances of betting irregularities over the past several months, per ESPN.
The NBA is investigating prop bets involving Porter from games on Jan. 26 and March 20.
There was an increased betting interest on the under for Porter on Jan. 26 in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers. In this game, Porter played four minutes before exiting due to a re-aggravation of an eye injury and all the unders cashed in.
Then in a game on March 20 against the Phoenix Suns, the 24-year-old played just three minutes before leaving the game due to illness. The unders on Porter cashed in once again.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic was asked about Porter’s investigation following Toronto’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.
He said he became aware of the situation but was caught off guard by it per TSN’s Josh Lewenberg:
“Caught me off guard but at this point I don’t have a comment.”
Rajakovic said that nothing seemed unusual about the games Porter left early and he had no reason to doubt his injury and illness.
Players Association Vice-President Garrett Temple also commented on the report, per Lewenberg:
“I was surprised but at the end of the day nothing’s been proven yet. It’s an investigation…so, in my position, we’re backing him. Hope it’s not what is implied.”
The Raptors will not be offering comment on this report, per Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy.
Porter has been away from the Raptors for personal reasons and he did not play on March 25 against the Brooklyn Nets.
NBA investigates Porter
Porter is averaging 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 0.8 three-pointers per game this season.
He is on a two-way contract and is earning $415,000 in salary.
An NBA spokesman told ESPN they are looking into the report, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
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