The relaunched United States Basketball League has defended its decision to sign banned former NBA player Jontay Porter, saying it believes in “second chances” as the ex-big man attempts to revive his career.
Porter, who was handed a lifetime ban by the National Basketball Association in 2024 following a gambling scandal, signed last week with the Seattle SuperHawks ahead of the league’s new season. Despite the controversy surrounding the 25-year-old, league officials say the USBL is standing by its decision.
In a statement to TMZ Sports, officials said the league has “always stood for opportunity” and believes in supporting players committed to “learning from their past and rebuilding their future.” Porter is awaiting sentencing in connection with a federal gambling investigation after pleading guilty in July 2024 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, though he is expected to receive between three and four years.
Following what it described as thorough discussions with the player, the SuperHawks organisation said it was confident in Porter’s “sincerity, accountability, and determination to move forward in a positive direction”, a view the league says it shares.
According to the USBL, Porter “fully acknowledges the consequences of his actions” and has shown “genuine remorse” along with a commitment to personal growth. League and team officials say they are united in offering him the opportunity to continue his basketball career, framing the move as a chance for redemption through accountability and hard work.
If Porter takes the court in the SuperHawks’ season opener on Saturday, March 7, it will mark his first professional appearance since the NBA imposed its lifetime ban. While his legal future remains uncertain, the USBL appears willing to back his return to the sport.