Thoughts in general?
"My thought". The NBA definitely chose the right player to make an example of in this matter. It brought the message/warning across, and it didn't give them a hard decision because he isn't a player whose name is spelled L-E-B-R-O-N. Because if it was actually a player such as Lebron or one of those "highly-endorsed" players, then we could truly expect the NBA to hide this matter from the public, OR have the player make a "public apology" + a suspension, but not a life-time ban.
Maybe yes or no on this matter. It’s subjective because there’s rules about this specific matter which even popular names are not exempted to the punishment especially if there’s a player already received punishment on same violation.
I doubt popular player will do idiotic move like this because they already have enough salary and good career. Only minor role player can be tempted to this since they feel that their salary is not worthy while they don’t enjoy the game that much because they have few ball time.
But if Lebron caught doing this. The public will surely enraged if the punishment is not the same to Porter.
Lebron aren't gonna do that stupid thing, he is making a lot of money in the NBA and he is making his legacy, one mistake that like that will eliminate all the success he work hard from the very beginning. Let's admit it, after Kobe Bryant, it's currently Lebron James who are considered as the best player in the NBA although he is already aging, he is a living legend that is still playing actively and producing like he didn't get old.
The NBA can make a lot of story for Lebron, and that would result to money,.. so speculations that NBA might hide it, that could be possible but it's not necessary to reach at that level since Lebron is not gonna do that.
Lebron is the second best player ever imo. Kobe top 4-6. Second best shooting guard ever. But I’m not sure how even young kids who didn’t see MJ play and grew up idolizing Lebron are blind to the numbers that MJ put together, outweighing Lebron and Kobe. It’s not a stretch to say had MJ not taken time off he’d have had at least 1 more championship and possibly/more probable than not imo, two more.
Talking character, MJ was an asshole to his teammates, not the greatest guy all around in general and Kobe was pretty similar. Kobe also had his scandals. Lebron, class act through and through. Def a better player than MJ was in his final years, but Lebron is also built like an absolute freak of nature. Though he’s not the player he once was.
Thoughts in general?
These kind of Activity are deprecable and most of times also linked with criminale activities.
But in general have a strong impact to sport and gambling industry.
Without a serious sanction, even one so radical, people involved will never stop. I can't see other valid solution....
It could be link to criminal activities but what he is doing is not a criminal activity. Porter is probably not the only one doing this but he is one of the few that got caught. He is not a star player, so probably he thought he can increase his income if he will be betting since he know some information a typical bettors don't. I like that the NBA are very strict with implementing their rules, a lifetime ban maybe too much as that would kill the job of a player but its impact might not be good if they'll serve a light punishment. I hope this would not happen again and I'm sure it will send a message for player+gambler who are silently breaking the rules.
A former NBA ref spent time in prison for betting on games, not sure how this isn’t under criminal investigation atm, from what I can see. Doesn’t mean it won’t be, however.
Seems most did not read much in to this case or understand what he did …which was bet AGAINST his own team, as well as got caught purposely not playing to alter the outcome of games and more. This is quite different than simply betting the ML for your own team to win. Had he done that, likely would have been a temp ban.
Yall should watch the clsssic basketball movie Blue Chips. Great movie about college basketball players taking bribes, point shaving, game fixing etc. A fictional story based on many true events. (Features a young Shaq and Penny Hardaway and other basketball legends). Also has one of the funniest scenes in movie history (Bobby Knight esk)
https://youtu.be/5oAIVuFPUdQ?si=h1ni5DPojB3gu8Xo