Jontay Porter’s request to play in Greece was denied by a judge

Earlier in the year, former NBA player Jontay Porter found himself in the middle of a betting scheme. The 24-year-old was working with three other men to give them inside information on Porter to make the right bet. There were at least two separate instances when Porter even bet on himself. That’s directly against the NBA’s policy. After months of investigation, Porter finally pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Porter received a lifetime ban from the NBA for his involvement in the betting scheme. With that, the former two-way player requested that he be able to continue his professional career in Greece. However, U.S. District Court Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall denied Jontay Porter’s request to play for Promitheas BC in the Greek Basketball League.

Porter’s attorney has seen support from other US offices

Jeff Jensen is the attorney in this case for Jontay Porter. Jensen wrote to LaShann DeArcy Hall to inform him that he’s received “no objection” from the US Attorney’s Office and the Pretrials Services Office. Porter is requesting a modification in his bonds to have his passport back. That would allow him to live in Greece while he’s playing basketball. Jensen had this to say about his client’s case.

“The proposed modification would allow Mr. Porter to pursue a very fortunate – and quickly diminishing – opportunity to earn income through his primary skillset. Mr. Porter, and more importantly his agent, believe such an opportunity is unlikely to arise again,” said Jensen. “Mr. Porter has a limited window to earn an income through professional basketball during his prime earning years as a professional athlete.”

If Porter was ever granted the opportunity to play in Greece, his betting scheme trial comes first. The Greek team is well aware of that and they know Porter could be requested back to the US on short notice. Additionally, his sentencing is on December 18th. Porter faces up to four years in prison for the crimes he committed.