A sixth individual was charged on Monday in connection with the federal sports betting case involving former NBA player Jontay Porter. Authorities revealed a text message Porter allegedly sent, outlining how he planned to underperform in a January 2024 game to benefit those betting on his lackluster performance.
Porter, who had previously pleaded guilty and was banned from the NBA for life, admitted to withdrawing early from games, citing injury or illness, in a scheme that allowed others to profit from his underperformance. According to the court document, on January 26, 2024, Porter sent a message to a conspirator saying, “Hit unders for the big numbers.” In the message, he outlined his strategy for a game against the LA Clippers, planning to play only a short stint before faking an eye injury: “No blocks no steals. I’m going to play first 2-3 minute stint off the bench then when I get subbed out tell them my eye killing me again.”
This information came to light as part of a complaint against Shane Hennen, one of the conspirators, who was arrested on Sunday at the Las Vegas airport while attempting to board a flight to Panama. Hennen allegedly placed bets through proxies after receiving inside information about Porter’s plans. He is facing charges, including wire fraud conspiracy.
Porter’s involvement in the scheme was motivated by his attempt to clear gambling debts. The former Toronto Raptors center participated in games where he purposely underperformed, providing an opportunity for gamblers to place successful bets. He played briefly in the January 2024 game against the Clippers, later claiming his eye injury worsened, and he also exited a March 2024 game against the Sacramento Kings early due to feeling ill.
Porter is set to be sentenced in May, with prosecutors estimating a prison sentence between 3 1/2 and 4 years. Hennen has been released on bail, and four others have been charged in connection with the scheme. Some have pleaded guilty, while others are still awaiting trial.
