Breaking News: FBI Arrests Suspect in Jontay Porter NBA Betting Scandal
In a shocking development, the FBI has arrested Long Phi Pham in connection with a betting scandal involving former NBA player Jontay Porter. The scandal, which has rocked the NBA, involves allegations of game-fixing and insider information sharing.
Long Phi Pham, also known as “Bruce,” was apprehended at JFK Airport on Monday. Federal investigators had been seeking to interview Pham, who allegedly booked a one-way ticket to Australia. At the time of his arrest, Pham was found carrying $12,000 in cash, two cashier’s checks totaling $80,000, several betting slips, and three cell phones.
Pham appeared in federal court on Tuesday, where he was charged with wire fraud and ordered to remain in custody. According to federal prosecutors, Pham coordinated bets with former NBA player Jontay Porter. Porter was banned from the league earlier this year for betting on games, sharing insider information with gamblers, and feigning illness to influence betting outcomes.
NEW: Banned NBA player Jontay Porter warned his partners in a scheme to rig “prop” bets that “we might just get hit with a RICO,” new court papers show.
— Ben Kochman (@benkochman) June 4, 2024
A Brooklyn man, Long Phi Pham, has been arrested. Feds are looking for 3 more.
@wojespn @Kyle_Schnitzer pic.twitter.com/HlkP5JnWO5
The criminal complaint against Pham, filed by Brooklyn prosecutors, does not explicitly name Porter but provides detailed descriptions that match his profile. The documents refer to a player who logged only four minutes on January 22, recording three rebounds and one assist. These stats align perfectly with Porter’s performance on that date. Additionally, the complaint notes the player claimed to have reaggravated an eye injury, a scenario Porter also reported.
Jontay Porter’s Background
Jontay Porter, a 24-year-old power forward, was born in Missouri, USA. Standing at 208 cm and weighing 109 kg, Porter played for the Toronto Raptors before his involvement in the betting scandal came to light. His promising career was abruptly halted by the NBA’s decision to ban him for his actions.
The FBI and federal prosecutors are continuing their investigation. Three other individuals allegedly involved in the scheme are still at large. The full extent of the scandal is yet to be revealed, but it has already sent shockwaves through the NBA community.
This scandal underscores the serious consequences of gambling and insider trading in professional sports. The NBA has strict regulations against betting by players, and this incident highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial for the league to take stringent measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The NBA community awaits further updates as this investigation progresses, hoping for swift justice and the preservation of the sport’s integrity.
👨Long Phi Pham，a man involved in the betting scandal that led to former🏀 Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter’s ban from the NBA, was charged Tuesday with conspiring to defraud a sportsbook.#nbabets pic.twitter.com/1u3ZKPZk3Q
— Gorell (@EBettingGuide) June 5, 2024