Authorities arrested Shane Hennen, 39, at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on Sunday morning. Hennen faces charges related to an illegal betting scheme involving Jontay Porter, a former player for the Toronto Raptors. The case has drawn attention as it unfolds, revealing a network of conspirators and significant financial stakes.
Jontay Porter pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy crime in July and is currently awaiting sentencing. The NBA banned Porter after discovering he manipulated his performance for gambling purposes. Prosecutors allege that Hennen, who received insider information from conspirators connected to Porter, played a crucial role in distributing betting tips to other gamblers. He placed bets on Porter's performance through proxies, focusing on the "under" for Porter's stats.
The scheme included a substantial $29,382 parlay wager on the under for Porter's rebounds and points, which promised a payout of $103,387. Evidence shows Hennen received screenshots of two betting slips with wagers on Porter's under-performance during a January 26 game. A co-conspirator advised Hennen to keep the information confidential, saying, "Please don't leak it."
Porter sustained an eye injury on January 22, 2024, while playing against the Memphis Grizzlies. He was diagnosed with a corneal abrasion. During the January 26 game, Porter expressed uncertainty about his playtime due to his injury.
"I went back to 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." – Jontay Porter
Hennen's involvement continued as he received information that Porter would remove himself from a March 20 game against the Sacramento Kings by citing illness. After the January 26 game, Hennen messaged a co-conspirator, acknowledging their good fortune with the bet by stating, "We got lucky."
In addition to Hennen, four other men have been charged as part of this scheme, with two having already pleaded guilty. This case highlights ongoing concerns about integrity in sports and the influence of gambling on athletic performance.
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