Michael Porter Jr. Offers a Reason For Why Some Players Bet on Games

During an interview on the Fullcourtpass podcast, Michael Porter Jr. offered an explanation as to why some players might get involved with sports betting. 

Sports betting is, and always has been, illegal for NBA players. That rule has become more difficult to enforce as people can now easily place bets from their phones.  

Porter Jr. certainly understands how sports betting could affect a player's career. His brother Jontay, who played for the Grizzlies and Raptors, received a permanent ban from the NBA after he was found to have manipulated prop bets in an effort to pay off gambling debts. 

Terry Rozier, who has made $133 million in his NBA career, was accused of gambling on NBA games and an investigation was opened. The investigation failed to find any wrongdoing. 

Malik Beasley, who is coming off a fantastic season with the Detroit Pistons has also been accused of manipulating prop bets and his case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney's office. So far he has not been charged and the Pistons are holding up a roster space for him. 

When asked about why players may choose to take this risk, Porter Jr. said it could be a way to help people from their neighborhood. He told the hosts: 

"Think about it if you can get all your homies rich by telling yo bet 10K on my under..this one game imma act like I got an injury and they all get a lil bag… some people come from nothing & they think like that."