Jontay Porter’s sentencing is happening this Wednesday at a federal courthouse in Brooklyn, N.Y., and let’s be real—things don’t look good for him. Back in July, Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after admitting he tampered with the outcome of two NBA games. Messing with game integrity? That’s about as serious as it gets in pro sports.

Peter Czegledy, a Toronto-based gaming law expert and partner at Aird and Berlis, says that while the former Raptors forward has been cooperating with U.S. authorities, he shouldn’t expect much leniency… According to Czegledy, Porter’s cooperation won’t be enough to save him from a harsh sentence—prison time is almost guaranteed, and that’s probably just the start of his troubles.

“A gambling addiction appears to have been cited as a mitigating factor by the defence, which seemingly would assist Mr. Porter. I would expect that the court will be very careful in its deliberations — and that the sentence will combine both a prison term and significant financial restitution,” said Czegledy.

If you’ve been keeping up with this saga, you know this isn’t just a slap-on-the-wrist situation.

When someone messes with the fairness of a game, it hits fans, players, and the league where it hurts most. Fans reacted to this news on X.

Public sentiment among NBA fanbase is for Jontay Porter to be given a chance: “I speak for everyone…”

One fan wrote, “I speak for everyone when I say free him”. Competitive manipulation isn’t a small offense—it’s a massive hit to the integrity of sports. At its core, the “free him” sentiment reflects sympathy—not for what Porter did, but for the bigger picture. A young player made a bad call, one driven by pressure, money, or desperation. So, does he deserve to face the consequences?

Another netizen reacted by saying, “Ayyyyyyyeeeeee lowkey Michael porter chose the right son to pass on his namesake”. We’ll be fair to Jontay and won’t pass any critical judgment on his personal life and character. But what was this particular fan trying to say?

The former Raptors’ star’s dad, Michael Porter Sr., who serves as the director of player development at the University of Missouri, is a respected figure in basketball circles. He’s credited with fostering discipline and talent in his children, several of whom have pursued professional or collegiate sports.

Notably, Michael Porter Jr. has flourished with the Denver Nuggets, playing a key role in their championship run in 2023. His contributions as a dynamic scorer and rebounder have cemented his status as one of the league’s brightest young stars. In stark contrast, however, Jontay Porter’s career has visibly taken a darker turn.

“Take the risk or loose the chance free Jontay Porter *broken heart*” said another user. For Jontay, this moment could represent a “make or break” point—an opportunity for redemption, both personally and professionally. But the impending verdict is really out of his hands…

Fans, like the one who posted this reaction, often feel that the punishment may be too harsh, given his potential and the fact that his story is one of both triumph and failure.

Bear in mind, that Jontay Porter had already been struggling with injuries and he was going through a rough phase. “Perfect fall guy,” said a user. Some fans view Porter as the “fall guy” because of his relatively low profile in the league compared to other high-profile players. While this is a big speculation, it’s possible that his status as a less established NBA player made him an easier target for punishment, while others involved might have escaped similar consequences. However, there’s still no proof of this fan-made claim.

The “Free him” reaction also reflects a sense of empathy for Porter. Many fans believe that he has already faced significant personal and professional consequences, and a lifetime ban with jail time seems disproportionate to his actions. Quite a few from the fanbase believe he should have the chance to rebuild his career and prove that he has learned from his mistakes, both on and off the court.