6 Athletes Who Lost Everything After One Mistake

Jontay Porter – One Bet Destroyed An NBA Career

Jontay Porter was on a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors, earning $410,000 and fighting for a permanent spot in the NBA. Then a league investigation found he had disclosed confidential information to sports bettors and wagered on games—including betting on his own team to lose. In April 2024, the NBA banned him for life. He later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison. He admitted he did it “to get out from under large gambling debts”. His NBA career was over before it truly began. He now plays in an independent league, hoping for a second chance that will never come from the NBA.