Jontay Porter’s Request to Resume Basketball Career in Greece Denied by Federal Judge
A federal judge has denied Jontay Porter’s request to resume his basketball playing career in Greece, just one week after the former Toronto Raptors forward pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to a betting scandal.
According to The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov, Porter was seeking to play for Promitheas Patras B.C. in the Greek Basket League and the Basketball Champions League in Europe. However, Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall ruled against Porter’s request, citing concerns that his legal obligations would not be met if he were to resume his playing career overseas.
Porter’s attorneys had sought the return of his U.S. passport and permission for him to travel to Europe and live in Greece with his wife, who is expecting a child. The U.S. Attorneys Office and the U.S. pretrial services officer did not oppose the request.
The ruling comes as Porter is set to be sentenced in New York on December 18. He could face 3½ to over 4 years in prison. Four other men have also been charged in the case.
Porter’s legal team had argued that resuming his playing career overseas would not interfere with his legal obligations and that his new team understood he could be requested back to the U.S. “at a moment’s notice.” He would also continue his treatment for gambling addiction while in Greece.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York did not comment on the ruling, nor did Porter’s lawyer, Jeff Jensen.
The denial of Porter’s request marks a significant setback for the 24-year-old, who was banned permanently from the NBA after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
