NBA COMMISSIONER Adam Silver, Wednesday (10/4), said Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter faces being banned from playing basketball forever if the gambling allegations against him are proven.
Porter, the younger brother of Denver Nuggets star Michael Port Jr., is being investigated by the NBA for allegedly betting on games he played.
The 24-year-old basketball player had not played since March 22 before ESPN released a detailed report regarding the oddities in the match he played.
Speaking in New York after a meeting of NBA club owners on Wednesday (10/4), Silver warned of the very serious consequences that Porter threatens if the investigation by the United States (US) basketball league is proven correct.
AFP/Stacy Revere/Getty Images—NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
“What he is accused of is a cardinal sin in the NBA and the harshest punishment that can be imposed on him is to ban him from playing basketball for life,” said Silver.
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“That’s because there is no more serious offense in the NBA than gambling and betting on games, especially on games in which you are directly involved.”
“Currently, the investigation is still ongoing but the consequences are very serious,” he continued.
NBA players are prohibited from betting on the basketball league’s games. Those who violate these rules face fines, suspension or a lifetime ban from playing.
“There is nothing more important than the integrity of the competition. So, if a problem is reported to me, I am responsible for maintaining the clean name of the NBA,” concluded Silver. (AFP/Z-1)
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