A Brooklyn man has admitted to his role in a sports betting scandal that implicated former NBA player Jontay Porter, resulting in his permanent exclusion from the league earlier this year. The guilty plea marks a critical chapter in a plot that highlights the vulnerabilities of sports betting and its impact on athletes’ careers.

Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty in Sports Betting Scandal Involving Ex-NBA Player Jontay Porter

Long Phi Pham Admits to Wire Fraud Conspiracy

In federal court, Long Phi Pham, also known as Bruce Pham, confessed to orchestrating a scheme aimed at committing wire fraud. Pham, along with his accomplices, manipulated betting outcomes by influencing Porter’s performance during specific games. Prosecutors revealed that Pham’s plan involved persuading Porter to fake injuries and perform poorly, allowing the conspirators to profit from betting against the NBA player’s projected game performance.

Pham’s guilty plea was formally entered in a federal court, and he now faces sentencing in April 2025, where he could be handed a prison sentence of up to 20 years for his role in the scandal. This admission provides further clarity into the depth of the operation that targeted both the betting industry and the integrity of professional basketball.

The Scheme’s Blueprint: Betting on Underperformance

According to court documents, Pham conspired with three other individuals to fix the outcomes of specific games by influencing Porter’s performance. They meticulously planned the scheme through Telegram chats, where they discussed the manipulation of bets. The group sought to profit more than $1 million by placing wagers that relied on Porter underperforming due to faked injuries.

The first instance of success for the group occurred in January, when Porter left a game against the Los Angeles Clippers after just four minutes, citing an eye problem. His early exit resulted in his game statistics falling below expectations, securing a $40,250 payout for one of Pham’s accomplices.

The group’s success didn’t end there. In March, another orchestrated event took place during a game against the Sacramento Kings. This time, Porter played only three minutes before leaving the game, claiming he was feeling ill. Once again, the outcome was as expected, and the group reaped substantial financial benefits from their premeditated bets.

The Unraveling: Suspicion from Betting Companies

Despite the initial success, Pham’s plan began to fall apart when one of the betting companies involved grew suspicious of the unusually large payouts. The company ceased payments on a significant portion of the winnings, raising concerns about possible match-fixing. This triggered an investigation that eventually led to the exposure of the fraudulent operation.

The case reached its tipping point when authorities arrested Pham at JFK International Airport in June. Pham, who plays poker professionally, was preparing to board a flight to Australia. Prosecutors believed he was attempting to flee the country to avoid prosecution. However, Pham’s attorney argued that he was simply en route to participate in a poker tournament, an argument that led to his release after he posted a $750,000 bond.

Jontay Porter’s Involvement: Admission and Sentencing

Former NBA player Jontay Porter, who had a promising career ahead of him, found himself at the center of this scandal. According to court documents, Porter not only participated in the scheme but was also aware of the ongoing investigation. In a Telegram group chat, Porter expressed his concern about potential legal repercussions, even joking about the possibility of facing RICO charges, a reference to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act often used in criminal conspiracy cases.

Porter’s involvement in the betting scandal led to his permanent exclusion from the NBA earlier this year. Although his basketball career is now over, he is scheduled for sentencing on December 18, where he will face the consequences of his actions. The former player’s admission to his role in the operation has added significant weight to the prosecution’s case against the other conspirators.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Future Implications

As the legal case against Pham proceeds, the fates of his accomplices remain uncertain. Thus far, none of the other individuals involved in the conspiracy have entered pleas, leaving their futures in the hands of the justice system. Pham’s guilty plea, however, underscores the serious nature of the crime and serves as a stark warning about the ramifications of engaging in illegal sports betting activities.

This case highlights the broader issue of integrity in sports, particularly as betting becomes more accessible in various parts of the world. The scandal not only disrupted the careers of the individuals involved but also cast a shadow over professional basketball and the growing sports betting industry. It serves as a reminder that tampering with the integrity of sports for financial gain can have severe consequences, both legally and professionally.

Conclusion: A Case of Betrayed Trust and Legal Repercussions

The saga involving Long Phi Pham and Jontay Porter is a cautionary tale about the dangers of undermining the integrity of professional sports. What began as a plot to manipulate sports betting outcomes quickly spiraled into a federal investigation that has left careers ruined and lives forever altered. As Pham awaits his sentencing, the ramifications of his actions—and those of his accomplices—will continue to unfold, potentially setting a precedent for future cases involving sports betting fraud.

With the sports industry increasingly intertwined with betting, the need for rigorous oversight and transparency is greater than ever. The court’s upcoming decisions in this case will no doubt serve as a milestone in the fight against illegal gambling activities, protecting both athletes and the sports betting ecosystem.

FAQs About Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty in Sports Betting Scandal Involving Ex-NBA Player Jontay Porter

1. Who is Long Phi Pham, and what is he accused of?

Long Phi Pham, also known as Bruce Pham, is a Brooklyn man who pleaded guilty to orchestrating a sports betting scheme that involved manipulating former NBA player Jontay Porter’s performance in games. He is accused of plotting to commit wire fraud by convincing Porter to underperform in certain games, allowing the group to profit by betting on the results.

2. What was Jontay Porter’s role in the scandal?

Jontay Porter was a key figure in the scheme. He allegedly faked injuries or left games early to help Pham and his accomplices manipulate betting outcomes. This led to significant profits for the group, as they placed wagers based on Porter’s underperformance.

3. How did the betting scheme work?

The group led by Pham used a strategy where they would place bets predicting Porter’s early exit or poor performance in specific games. Porter would intentionally leave games after a few minutes, citing health issues, which led to lower-than-expected game statistics and large payouts for the group.

4. What were the specific games involved in the betting scheme?

Two notable games involved in the scandal were:

• A January game against the Los Angeles Clippers, where Porter left after just four minutes due to an eye problem, resulted in a $40,250 payout for the group.
• A March game against the Sacramento Kings, where Porter played for only three minutes before exiting due to illness, again allowing the group to profit from bets placed on his underperformance.

5. Why did the betting companies become suspicious?

The unusually large payouts, coupled with the timing of Porter’s exits from the games, raised suspicion among betting companies. This led them to stop paying out a significant portion of the winnings, which ultimately triggered an investigation.

6. What legal consequences does Pham face?

Long Phi Pham pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and now faces up to 20 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for April 2025.

7. What is the status of Jontay Porter in the NBA?

As a result of his involvement in the scandal, Jontay Porter has been permanently excluded from the NBA. His promising career was cut short due to the betting fraud, and he is scheduled to be sentenced in December 2024.

8. Were there other people involved in the betting scheme?

Yes, Pham conspired with three other individuals to carry out the scheme. While Pham has pleaded guilty, the other accomplices have yet to enter formal pleas.

9. Was Long Phi Pham attempting to flee the country?

Pham was arrested at JFK International Airport in June while trying to board a flight to Australia. Authorities suspected he was attempting to flee the country, but his lawyer argued that Pham, a professional poker player, was traveling to attend a poker tournament. He was later released after posting a $750,000 bond.