• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 11, 2025

Conspirator Arrested in Federal Complaint Tied to Jontay Porter Scheme

  • Authorities arrested Long Phi Pham, who goes by Bruce, at JFK airport Monday.
  • Federal prosecutors allege Porter accumulated gambling debts early in the year to Pham and his crew.
Mar 11, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter (34) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Jontay Porter isn’t out of the woods yet. 

The Raptors forward who was banned from the NBA in April for betting on games, is part of a broader illegal betting scheme that led to the arrest of a Brooklyn man at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York as he attempted to flee the country. 

Authorities arrested Long Phi Pham, who goes by Bruce, at the airport Monday as he tried to board a one-way flight to Australia, the criminal complaint said. He was detained Tuesday, pending trial on a charge of conspiracy to defraud a sports betting company. Three other suspects in the case remain at large. It’s unclear whether prosecutors are investigating Porter, too. 

Federal prosecutors allege Porter accumulated gambling debts early in the year to Pham and his crew and was encouraged to pay them back by ensuring the under hit on his individual player prop bets. 

The news came the same day MLB banned Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for betting on baseball and Ippei Mizuhara pleaded guilty to stealing $17 million from Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani to cover illegal gambling debts.  

According to federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, Pham knew Porter planned to exit a January game against the Clippers early and placed bets on his performance accordingly. Prosecutors added that Porter told Pham before the game that he would exit early claiming an injury. The result was that a co-conspirator in the case won $40,250 off his bets on Porter. 

A similar process unfolded before a Raptors game against the Kings in March. According to the complaint, Pham and his co-conspirators discussed in a Telegram chat that Porter would exit the game early claiming illness. Pham and his co-conspirators went to an Atlantic City casino and placed bets on Porter, who removed himself from the game after playing three minutes. Pham and his group netted more than $1 million in profits off Porter bets according to the United States Attorneys’ Office. 

“Whether on the court or in the casino, every point matters,” United States Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement. “As alleged, the defendant and his co-conspirators, as well as an NBA player, participated in a brazen, illegal betting scheme that had a corrupting influence on two games and numerous bets. This prosecution serves as a warning that fraud and dishonesty in professional sports will not be tolerated and those who engage in this flagrant flouting of the law will be prosecuted.”

Almost two weeks before the NBA banished him, Porter alerted Pham and his crew about a potential case coming their way. On April 4, in a group chat with Porter and the conspirators, Porter told the group that they “might just get hit [with] a rico,” referring to a racketeering charge and asked the group whether they had deleted evidence off their cellphones, according to the complaint. 

Pham tried to leave the country after the government tried to question him Sunday. The complaint said he was arrested with a bag that contained $12,000 in cash, two cashier’s checks worth $80,000, and several betting slips. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Alex Rodriguez

Finally in Charge, A-Rod Says Timberwolves Need New Arena

Rodriguez and Lore would like to repair team relations with Kevin Garnett.
Cobh Ramblers
exclusive

Ireland’s Ramblers Latest Soccer Club to Gain U.S. Owner

The Ramblers play in the League of Ireland First Division.

Featured Today

Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 8, 2025

Betway Parent to Complete U.S. Exodus, Blames Tax Volatility

“Recent regulatory developments” were cited. 
Mar 16, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; The BetMGM Sportsbook at the Mandalay Bay resort and casino.
July 11, 2025

Support Grows to Repeal Gambling Tax in Trump Budget Bill

A new bill has been introduced in the Senate.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Sports are shown on TVs behind a bar as guests enjoy the grand opening of DraftKings Sports & Social in Ohio.
July 7, 2025

California AG Has Declared Daily Fantasy Sports Are Illegal. Now What?

The opinion might spark a broader DFS conversation in the state.
Dec 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
July 3, 2025

California AG Says Daily Fantasy Sports Are Illegal

The AG rejected arguments that DFS are games of skill, not chance.
Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.
July 3, 2025

Guardians Pitcher Luis Ortiz Put on Paid Leave Amid MLB Gambling Probe

Reports say the investigation is tied to gambling.
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the third quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
July 1, 2025

‘Existential Threat’: Underdog Sports Sues to Stop AG’s Fantasy Sports Opinion

The California AG is expected to release his opinion by Thursday.