“Condolences to the Porter Family”: Stephen A. Smith Extends Support as Jontay Porter Hit With Lifetime Ban for Betting

Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter recently came under the NBA’s line of fire after allegations were placed stating the player made a couple of unauthorized prop bets on himself. The investigation probe that was immediately launched by the league’s commissioner Adam Silver recently came out with their findings, claiming that Porter “violated league rules by disclosing confidential information to sports bettors”. As a result, the 24-year-old has now been officially banned from the NBA, bringing his four-year professional career to an abrupt end. This major and historical action by the league has caused many NBA commentators to speak out.

Renowned ESPN sportscaster Stephen A. Smith recently released another episode of his highly watched ‘The Stephen A. Smith Show’. Alongside providing his opinions on the current top NBA teams in the Eastern and Western Conference, he also touched base on Porter’s ban after reading aloud Adam Silver’s statement in the aftermath of the same. However, instead of first addressing the Raptors player, Smith proceeded to highlight the people who may be indirectly affected by his actions: his family.

“My condolences to the Porter family, especially Michael Porter Jr, a star forward for the reigning defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets,” said Smith. “That’s his brother who was just banned for life, but the reality is that he deserved to be banned”. Smith proceeded to highlight how he had defended baseball legend Pete Rose in the past. Despite the fact that Rose was also accused of betting allegations, Smith believed that what Porter did was worse and didn’t deserve any leniency.

“I feel bad for Michael Porter, who’s trying to help the Denver Nuggets repeat his champions, so you know that he’s gonna be bombarded with a boatload of questions,” Smith continued. “As he should, that’s his brother”.

Michael Porter Jr. has been in the NBA two years longer than his younger sibling. His role as a small forward has helped the Nuggets to reach new strides, with his performance during last season’s NBA finals being one of his most noteworthy ones. The defending champion, however, has now allegedly been placed under a different viewpoint due to Jontay Porter’s reported actions.

Michael Porter Jr. shares his belief in Jontay

When the news about Jontay Porter being under investigation first started to make the rounds, Michael Porter Jr. initially did not choose to share his thoughts on the same. Fans and media members got to hear from him a few days later, after the Nuggets lost at the hands of the Phoenix Suns. When asked about the investigation, the 25-year-old made it clear that he did not have much to say about the investigation. However, it didn’t stop him from placing confidence in the person he has known for decades.

“I’ve known my brother my whole life,” said Michael Porter Jr. during the presser. “I know what type of dude he is. He’s excited to play basketball, and I highly doubt he’d do anything to put that in jeopardy.”

Exactly three weeks after the statement was made, however, Jontay Porter has received the ultimate punishment. He has become the first basketball player, since Roger Brown back in 1966, to be disciplined over his reported role in unfair betting practices. The elder Porter is yet to speak out on the recent developments.