NBA Players Caught Sports Betting: High-Profile Cases and What Happened Next

By Edcel Panganiban June 18, 2025 09:54

Sports betting scandals have increasingly shaken the NBA in recent years, spotlighting the league’s ongoing battle to preserve the integrity of the game amid the rapid expansion of legalized gambling. While the NBA has embraced sports betting partnerships, it maintains strict rules prohibiting players from betting on NBA games or sharing inside information. Despite these measures, several high-profile cases have emerged, resulting in suspensions, lifetime bans, and federal investigations.

The 2007 Tim Donaghy Scandal: A Referee’s Gamble

Though not a player, the 2007 betting scandal involving NBA referee Tim Donaghy remains the league’s most infamous gambling controversy. Donaghy admitted to betting on games he officiated between 2003 and 2007, exploiting insider knowledge to influence outcomes. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and served 15 months in prison. The scandal raised alarm bells about the vulnerability of NBA games to manipulation and led to sweeping reforms in referee oversight.

Jontay Porter: Lifetime Ban for Betting and Game Manipulation

More recently, in 2024, Jontay Porter, brother of NBA star Michael Porter Jr., became the first NBA player to receive a lifetime ban for gambling violations. The investigation revealed that Porter not only bet on NBA games but also disclosed confidential information to bettors and deliberately limited his own participation in games to influence outcomes. The NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized the severity of Porter’s actions, stating, “There is nothing more important than preserving the integrity of NBA competition for our fans, our teams, and everyone involved in our sport.” Porter faces potential prison time, fines, and restitution, marking one of the harshest consequences for sports betting violations in NBA history.

Terry Rozier: Federal Investigation Amid Suspicious Betting Activity

In 2023, Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier came under federal investigation related to suspicious betting patterns. The NBA’s integrity monitoring firm flagged an unusual volume of bets on Rozier underperforming in specific statistical categories during a game when he was with the Charlotte Hornets. Though the NBA’s internal investigation found no rule violations, Rozier remains under scrutiny by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. The league has cooperated fully with federal authorities, underscoring its zero-tolerance stance on gambling-related misconduct.

Other Notable Cases and League Response

The NBA has also disciplined other players for gambling-related offenses, including lifetime bans and suspensions. The league’s policy prohibits players from betting on NBA games or sharing confidential information. In response to the rise in sports betting following the 2018 Supreme Court decision legalizing it in many states, the NBA has enhanced educational programs and monitoring systems to prevent violations.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has been vocal about the league’s commitment to integrity: “We will continue to enforce our gambling policies rigorously to protect the game and its fans.” The NBA Players Association supports these efforts, emphasizing education and resources to help players navigate the risks associated with gambling.

The Broader Impact on the NBA

The surge in sports betting has created a complex environment for the NBA. While partnerships with sportsbooks generate significant revenue, the league faces the challenge of balancing commercial interests with safeguarding competitive fairness. According to NBC News, calls to gambling addiction hotlines have risen sharply since the legalization wave, highlighting the personal risks players and fans face.

The NBA’s history with sports betting scandals from the Tim Donaghy referee scandal to the lifetime ban of Jontay Porter and ongoing investigations like Terry Rozier’s illustrates the league’s ongoing struggle to maintain the integrity of the game. Strict enforcement, education, and cooperation with federal authorities remain central to the NBA’s strategy. As Commissioner Silver put it, preserving the game’s integrity is paramount: “Our fans, our teams, and the future of basketball depend on it.”

These cases serve as cautionary tales for players and a reminder of the delicate balance between embracing legalized sports betting and protecting the sport’s core values.

This article draws on detailed investigations and official statements to provide a comprehensive overview of NBA players caught in sports betting scandals and the league’s firm response in safeguarding basketball’s integrity.