Michael Porter Jr.’s remarks on gambling, particularly regarding player prop bets, have stirred controversy on social media. The Brooklyn Nets forward recently discussed his younger brother Jontay Porter’s gambling problems and suggested ways some players might profit by influencing prop bets, prompting sharp criticism from former <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA player Kendrick Perkins.
Kendrick Perkins Challenges Michael Porter Jr.’s Statements on Gambling
During an episode of the Road Trippin podcast, co-hosted by Kendrick Perkins, Channing Frye, and Allie Clifton, Perkins directly addressed Michael Porter Jr.’s comments about gambling. Reacting to MPJ’s explanation of how he could help friends make money by exploiting player props, Perkins urged him to be better informed before speaking publicly on such topics.
“Coming on to address your brother’s situation, that he’s probably going to jail. If you’re gonna address it, at least be educated about it.”
—Kendrick Perkins, former NBA player and podcast co-host
Porter had told Aaron Steinberg on One Night with Steiny that NBA players could manipulate player props by betting large amounts on the under for points or rebounds and then faking injuries to influence the outcome. Perkins criticized this idea, explaining that an unusual spike in bets would draw immediate attention from authorities, making such schemes easily detectable unless the bettors consistently placed high-stakes wagers.
In fact, Jontay Porter’s own gambling violations were discovered due to suspicious betting patterns involving under bets on his game performance. Jontay has since been banned for life from the NBA and faces up to nearly four years in prison if convicted of the felony charges brought against him. Perkins emphasized that MPJ should focus on improving his own career with the Nets, rather than discussing gambling issues without proper understanding.
Channing Frye Calls for a Break from Public Commentary
Channing Frye, Perkins’ co-host on the podcast, also weighed in with strong opinions about MPJ’s recent public remarks. Frye suggested that Michael Porter Jr.’s PR team should intervene to prevent further potentially damaging comments related to gambling.
“We gotta get him off podcasts. He needs a timeout. His PR team needs to say, ‘Hey, man, we get what you’re trying to say, but it ain’t coming out right. … You gotta take the drink out of his hand and give him some water.”
—Channing Frye, former NBA center and podcast co-host
Porter hosts his own podcast, Curious Mike, where he aims to speak openly and create a space for judgment-free conversations. However, the recent backlash may influence whether he resumes these appearances or heeds Frye’s advice to step back from public discussions on sensitive topics.
The ongoing scrutiny around Michael Porter Jr gambling comments highlights not only the serious repercussions surrounding sports betting but also the heightened expectations placed on players to communicate responsibly. Given Jontay Porter’s legal challenges and NBA ban, the controversy adds pressure on MPJ’s efforts to establish himself as a key figure for the Brooklyn Nets this season.