The basketball world was shocked yesterday by reports that Memphis Grizzlies forward Jontay Porter has been linked to a gambling scandal involving bets on NBA games.
The stunning allegations have cast a pall over the 24-year-old’s promising young career and raised major questions about the league’s ability to police against gambling infractions.
What other NBA players have been involved in betting scandals?
While betting scandals are extremely rare in modern sports, they have marred the NBA’s past. Perhaps the most infamous instance occurred in 1951 when All-Stars Ralph Beard and Alex Groza were implicated in a point-shaving scheme orchestrated by gamblers.
The “CCNY Basketball Scandal” resulted in their lifetime banishment from the league and nearly brought the sport to its knees. More recently, disgraced referee Tim Donaghy served over a year in prison after being caught betting on games he officiated in 2007.
How do players cope with the aftermath of such incidents?
For the players involved, the aftermath of such scandals can be psychologically devastating. Ostracized by fans and pundits, they often require professional counseling to cope with the public shame and derailed career prospects.
Regaining trust from a betrayed fanbase is an incredibly difficult path requiring true contrition and years of impeccable behavior off the court.
Successful Comebacks by Athletes Post-Scandal.
A few athletes have managed to author inspirational comeback stories after being embroiled in scandal.
Perhaps the most celebrated example is Michael Vick, who recovered from the dogfighting charges that once made him a pariah to reset his NFL career and rebuild his public image through charity work.
Golfer Tiger Woods also remarkably revived his career and sponsorship deals after a very public divorce and infidelity scandal.
How can sports leagues prevent such incidents?
To protect the integrity of the games, sports leagues have cracked down through extensive anti-gambling education for players and stringent monitoring programs.
But even the threat of indefinite suspension and six-figure fines hasn’t prevented the occasional lapse, making the promised imposition of a permanent ban on Jontay Porter seem likely if the allegations prove true.
How can players regain trust after a scandal?
Only time will tell if the talented young scorer can overcome this career-altering misstep. But the swift and harsh judgment from fans, media and likely the NBA seems inevitable for breaching the first rule of playing professional sports – never, ever bet on the games. Porter’s once can’t-miss future is now sadly very much in doubt.
