New court documents show that former Toronto Raptors forward JontayPorter texted alleged co-conspirators in his gambling case during an NBA game.
Authorities arrested 39-year-old Shane Hennen in Las Vegas on Sunday as he was attempting to board a one-way flight to Colombia. Hennen had multiple cell phones and around 10,000 in cash when he was arrested.
Hennen is the sixth person charged in the alleged betting scheme involving Porter, and along with Hennen’s arrest, federal authorities disclosed a text message Porter sent explaining how, during a Jan. 22, 2024, game against the Memphis Grizzlies, he planned to take himself out of the game.
Porter pleaded guilty in July to wire fraud conspiracy and was subsequently banned from the NBA for life. He faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on May 20.
According to court documents obtained by USA TODAY Sports, Porter sustained an eye injury during the game and texted the two alleged co-conspirators, ‘I went back to the locker room to get eye checked on. Idk if imma play much more. I’m Not starting second half. But if it’s garbage time I will shoot a million shots.’
According to the court documents, one of the alleged co-conspirators forwarded a text from Porter to Hennen on Jan. 26: ‘Hit unders for the big numbers. No blocks no steals. I’m going to play first 2-3 minute stint off the bench then when I get subbed out tell them my eye killing me again.’
The complaint doesn’t identify Porter in the documents but only refers to him as ‘NBA Player 1.’ However, it’s clear that this refers to Porter, as the documents detail his guilty plea in the case.
Authorities also said that Hennen got inside information for a March 20 game and was told that Porter would remove himself from the game.
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