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Former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter stepped back onto a basketball court over the weekend. Appearance came nearly two years after the NBA issued a lifetime ban tied to gambling violations.
Porter played in a United States Basketball League game for the Seattle SuperHawks, delivering a strong performance during the league season opener while his federal case continues.
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Jontay Porter recorded a triple double during his first appearance in the revived United States Basketball League. Porter finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists as the Seattle SuperHawks defeated Lilac City Legends 111 to 68.
Stat line also included two steals and three blocks. Performance helped Seattle begin the season with a decisive victory.
Porter spoke after the game about returning to competitive basketball.
“I’m obviously super excited to play basketball again. I want to thank the Seattle SuperHawks and the USBL as a whole,” Porter told The Associated Press. “The organization is top-notch. I understand they’re sticking their neck out for me and taking a risk with it, and I just want to be a good representative on and off the court.”
United States Basketball League began operations in 1985 before shutting down in 2008. Organizers restarted the league late last year and the new season began over the weekend.
Porter lifetime NBA ban arrived during April 2024 following a league investigation tied to sports betting activity.
Investigators determined that Porter manipulated his playing time during two NBA games in order to affect player prop wagers connected to his individual statistics. Bettors placed wagers on under totals tied to Porter performance.
Authorities also determined that Porter placed bets on NBA games, including wagers against his own team, though not during games in which he participated.
Federal investigators later uncovered messages exchanged between Porter and individuals involved in the betting activity.
Porter pleaded guilty in July 2024 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Prosecutors say he altered performance in order to repay gambling debts. Bettors connected to the scheme placed thousands of dollars in wagers through legal sportsbooks.
Porter could face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Court proceedings continue as sentencing has been postponed multiple times.
Investigation formed part of a wider probe known as Operation Nothing But Net led by federal authorities.
Federal filings also reference other basketball figures connected to betting investigations. One example includes Terry Rozier, who allegedly told a friend and bettor that he planned to leave a game early during 2023.
United States Basketball League officials acknowledged Porter past conduct when discussing his participation in the league.
League representatives told The Associated Press that Porter accepted responsibility and showed clear remorse for earlier actions.
“The USBL and the SuperHawks are united in offering him the chance to continue his basketball journey, both as an athlete and as an example of how redemption can take shape through accountability and hard work,” the league said.
Seattle SuperHawks associate head coach Gary Payton also commented on the situation.
“He made a mistake in his life, and now we’re past that,” SuperHawks associate head coach Gary Payton said. “We’re not going to think about that anymore. This is a great talent here. A great basketball player, and we’re going to change him. I’ll mentor him a lot.”
Porter previously attempted to join a professional league in Greece during 2024. A federal judge denied that request while the criminal case continued.
Before the NBA ban, Porter played under a two way contract connected to the G League while earning about $410,000. During the season when the ban occurred, Porter averaged 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
Porter also carries strong NBA family connections as the brother of Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr.
The NBA issued a lifetime ban after determining that Porter manipulated playing time to influence player prop betting markets.
Porter currently plays for Seattle SuperHawks in the United States Basketball League.
Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after helping bettors win wagers tied to his player statistics.
Operation Nothing But Net refers to a federal investigation examining gambling related activity involving professional basketball.
Yes. Federal charges carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.