Former Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., known in podcast circles as “Curious Mike,” was back on the mic this week, cautioning against the pitfalls of sports gambling.
Porter, who was traded to the Brooklyn Nets along with a 2032 first-round pick for Cam Johnson in June, appeared on the “One Night with Steiny” podcast and discussed a variety of topics, from the Los Angeles dating scene to how NBA players should interact with female referees.
Some of his most eye-popping quotes came on the subject of sports betting and the NBA.
“Think about it, if you could get all your homies rich by telling them, ‘Yo, bet $10,000 on my under this one game. I’m going to act like I’ve got an injury, and I’m going to sit out. I’m going to come out after three minutes,’” Porter said. “And they all get a little bag because you did it one game.”
“That is not OK,” he continued, “But some people probably think like that. They come from nothing, and all their homies have nothing.”
The subject is something Porter is more than familiar with. His younger brother Jontay, 24, was banned from the NBA in April of 2024 when a league investigation found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors about his health, limiting his participation in one or more games for betting purposes.
‘’Obviously, my brother went through his situation, “Porter Jr. said. “Malik Beasley’s going through a situation right now. Terry Rozier was in some hot water. But the whole sports gambling entity, it’s bad and it’s only gonna get worse.”
Beasley, another former Nuggets player and current free agent, was placed under investigation by the U.S. District Attorney’s office in June regarding gambling allegations tied to league games.
“The crazy part is you can’t win anymore,” Porter Jr. said. “If I do too good, I’m messing up the people that bet on the under…If they bet on my over, then … you’re messing up some people’s money.”
As previously reported by ESPN, NBA players and employees are prohibited from betting on the NBA or its affiliated leagues, though they may legally wager on other sports. This applies to anyone working for a team or the league, with violations punishable by fine, suspension or contract termination. Fantasy basketball is allowed only without cash prizes, while non-NBA pools like NCAA brackets are permitted. The league enforces the rules through dedicated team liaisons, data scientists, and third-party monitors.
To watch and listen to the complete podcast, click here.
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