UPDATE: In a startling revelation, NBA star Michael Porter Jr. warns that the explosion of sports betting is compromising the integrity of the game and will only deteriorate further. Speaking on the “One Night with Steiny” podcast this week, he expressed deep concerns about how betting has overshadowed the genuine enjoyment of sports.
“The enjoyment of the game isn’t for the game anymore,” Porter stated, emphasizing that the focus has shifted to profit rather than passion. He noted, “It’s so that people can make money. In reality, way more people are losing money than making money.”
Porter’s comments come in the wake of his younger brother, Jontay Porter, being banned from the NBA in 2024 for his involvement in a gambling scandal. Jontay admitted in court in July 2024 to intentionally underperforming in two games during the 2023-24 season to benefit associates who placed bets on his statistics. This scheme was reportedly aimed at settling gambling debts.
During his podcast appearance, Michael Porter Jr. briefly addressed his brother’s struggles, highlighting the temptations young players face. “Think about it, if you could get all your homies rich by telling them, ‘Yo, bet $10,000 on my under this one game. I’m going to act like I’ve got an injury,'” he explained. “And they all get a little bag because you did it one game. That is so not OK.”
The NBA star described the untenable position players find themselves in due to the prevalence of prop bets, stating, “We really do get death threats.” He raised concerns about the potential for violence from disgruntled gamblers, adding, “What would happen if an unhinged gambler physically attacked an athlete?”
Porter strongly believes that sports betting should be limited to in-person transactions only in Las Vegas. He stated, “The whole sports gambling entity … it’s bad and it’s only going to get worse.”
This urgent warning from Porter sheds light on the escalating issues surrounding sports betting, highlighting the need for stricter regulations. As the landscape of professional sports continues to evolve, the implications of these betting practices are likely to resonate far beyond the court.
With these developments, fans and stakeholders alike must consider the impact of gambling on the integrity of sports. As Michael Porter Jr. articulates, the stakes are higher than ever, and the future of the game hangs in the balance. Share this urgent update to spread awareness about the challenges facing professional athletes today.
