FBI and Federal Prosecutors Arrest Man in Alleged Betting Scheme Involving Former NBA Player Jontay Porter

The FBI and federal prosecutors have arrested and charged a man, Long Phi Pham, with allegedly placing bets and coordinating his betting activities with former NBA player Jontay Porter. Porter was expelled from the league earlier this year for his involvement in betting on games, passing information to gamblers, and feigning illness to influence wagers, according to NBA league records and a criminal complaint filed Tuesday by prosecutors in Brooklyn.

Arrest and Charges

Long Phi Pham, also known as “Bruce,” a 38-year-old resident of Brooklyn, was apprehended at JFK Airport on Monday after booking a one-way ticket to Australia. This arrest followed attempts by federal investigators to interview him. On Tuesday, Pham appeared in federal court, where he was ordered detained. He faces charges of wire fraud. Federal prosecutors indicated that three other individuals allegedly involved in the scheme remain at large.

Details of the Alleged Scheme

The criminal complaint against Pham does not explicitly name Jontay Porter, but the description in the charging documents matches Porter's profile. The documents state that the player, who played only four minutes on January 22, had three rebounds and one assist, statistics that align with Porter’s performance on that day. Furthermore, the player cited in the complaint claimed to have reaggravated an eye injury, a claim Porter also made.

Gambling Debts and Coordination

The documents reveal that the player, believed to be Porter, had accumulated significant gambling debts to Pham and others. One of the co-conspirators allegedly suggested that the player could clear his debts by withdrawing prematurely from games to ensure that under prop bets on his performance were successful.

According to the documents, Porter allegedly complied with these instructions. Prosecutors stated that video footage of the January 26 game did not show any contact with the player’s eyes or any apparent reaggravation of the injury. Moreover, the player did not complain to team officials about the eye injury after the game and participated in his team’s next game two days later.

Financial Gain

Pham and the other defendants allegedly placed bets on these rigged games, netting profits exceeding $100,000. The scheme purportedly continued in March, with Pham and the others placing bets at an unnamed casino in Atlantic City. They communicated with the player via the Telegram digital messaging service, where the player indicated he would leave the game early on March 20, claiming illness. Surveillance photos included in the complaint allegedly show the defendants at the casino during this period. The documents suggest the player received a percentage of the profits from the scheme.

Arrest Details and Evidence

When Pham was arrested at JFK Airport, the FBI reported that he was carrying approximately $12,000 in cash, two cashier’s checks totaling $80,000, several betting slips, and three cellular phones.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentencing

If convicted, Pham faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The current whereabouts of the other defendants remain unknown, and their involvement is still under investigation.

Response and Reactions

Representatives for Jontay Porter did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. It remains unclear whether Pham has retained an attorney, as no contact information for him could be found. The Manhattan District Attorney's office declined to comment on the case.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about integrity and corruption within professional sports, underscoring the severe consequences for those involved in illegal betting activities. The FBI and federal prosecutors continue to investigate and pursue those responsible for undermining the fairness and credibility of sporting events.

Broader Implications

The scandal involving Porter and Pham underscores the vulnerabilities within the sports industry to gambling-related corruption. The NBA, like other major sports leagues, has strict regulations and monitoring systems in place to detect and prevent such activities, but this case illustrates the challenges in fully safeguarding the integrity of the sport.

As the investigation continues, the potential ramifications for professional sports are significant. This case may prompt leagues to re-evaluate their current policies and enforcement mechanisms to better detect and deter betting-related misconduct.

Conclusion

The arrest of Long Phi Pham and the involvement of a former NBA player in an alleged betting scheme reveal the complex challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling sports-related fraud. As the investigation progresses, the legal community and sports industry alike will be closely monitoring the outcomes and implications of this high-profile case. The legal proceedings and eventual verdict will likely have a lasting impact on the policies and practices within professional sports to ensure the integrity and fairness of all competitions.