Basketball in Greece canceled: Jontay Porter will be left without a passport due to rigged bets

On Tuesday, July 16, suspended NBA player Jontay Porter filed a motion to have his passport returned to him pending sentencing in an NBA sports betting case. The player plans to continue his professional career in Greece.

Porter's petition to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York included four requests:

1. Porter wants his passport back;
2. Travel across Europe and its surroundings;
3. Live in Patras, Greece;
4. Play professional basketball in Patras, Greece.
   The district judge denied the motion.

Recall that last week, Porter pleaded guilty to criminal gambling. He withdrew from two NBA games. Four other people were found to be complicit in the crime.

Porter is expected to be sentenced in December. Federal prosecutors are recommending a sentence of 41 to 51 months in prison. He will also have to pay approximately $500,000 in fines and taxes. Now, the basketball player is out on bail with the obligation to undergo treatment for gambling addiction.