New details have surfaced in Jontay Porter’s betting scandal. The former NBA player was banned for life after an investigation revealed he shared confidential information with bettors, manipulated his game participation for gambling purposes, and placed bets on games while with the Raptors.
But another individual connected to the case, Shane Hennen, was arrested on Sunday, exposing deeper involvement by Porter, according to federal court documents.
Court filings reveal that Porter texted alleged coconspirators during multiple Raptors games, including the January 22, 2024, matchup against the Grizzlies, as reported by the New York Post.
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Porter, 25, shared details about his playing status in at least four messages, which were later forwarded to Hennen, according to court documents. During that game, Porter claimed to have suffered an eye injury.
“I went back to the locker room to get eye checked on,” Porter allegedly texted the coconspirators.
“Idk [sic] if imma play much more.”
“I’m Not starting second half.”
“But if it’s garbage time I will shoot a million shots.”
On January 26, 2024, just hours before the Raptors faced the Clippers, Porter allegedly informed coconspirators that he planned to withdraw from the game by faking an injury.
“Hit unders for the big numbers,” Porter allegedly texted the coconspirators. “I’m going to play first 2-3 minute stint off the bench then when I get subbed out tell them my eye killing me again.”
After Porter’s message about faking an injury, a coconspirator forwarded it to Hennen, along with screenshots of two betting slips: a $29,382 parlay wager on the “unders” for Porter’s points and rebounds and a $3,700 bet on the under for Porter’s rebounds, the Post reported.
Hennen is also accused of placing similar “unders” bets on Porter.
Porter, brother of Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr., removed himself from the January 26 game after playing four minutes with no points, three rebounds, and one assist, citing an aggravated eye injury despite not being listed on the Raptors’ injury report.
Following the game, a coconspirator informed Hennen of a $1,114 positive balance, which Hennen requested to be transferred to his bank account.
Alleged text messages reveal that Porter informed coconspirators before the Raptors-Kings game on March 20, 2024, that he would exit the game early.
He played only three minutes, recording zero points, two rebounds, and no assists, before leaving the game after telling team officials he felt ill.
Porter surrendered to authorities and pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy in July before being released on a $250,000 bond. Four other coconspirators were charged and arrested in June for their involvement in the scheme.
Porter’s sentencing was postponed from December to May. Hennen will face charges in the Eastern District of New York for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
