The NBA's investigation into betting irregularities surrounding Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter is still ongoing, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressing openness to imposing a harsh punishment if warranted. According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, Silver referred to what Porter is accused of doing as a "cardinal sin."

Silver addressed the issue during a press conference in New York City, where he stated that depending on the investigation's findings, it could result in Porter's banishment from the NBA entirely. He emphasized the seriousness of gambling and betting on NBA games, describing it as a direct player involvement and stating that the potential consequences could be very severe.

The league launched the investigation last month after identifying betting irregularities surrounding two of Porter's games with the Raptors this season. In both instances, there was increased betting interest on the under for several Porter prop bets, all of which hit after he left the games just a few minutes in.

The first game in question took place on January 26 against the Los Angeles Clippers. Porter played only four minutes before being ruled out due to an eye injury. He finished the game with no points, three rebounds, and one assist, with all four of those categories hitting the under. His prop bets, including the under on his 3-pointers, were the biggest money winners for NBA bettors that day.

A similar situation occurred on March 20 during the Raptors' game against the Sacramento Kings. Porter played just three minutes before being ruled out with an illness. He did not score, had two rebounds, and missed one shot, resulting in the unders for all those categories hitting. Once again, his prop bets were the top moneymakers for NBA bettors that night.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, several betting accounts attempted to place large bets, ranging from upwards of $10,000 to $20,000, on Porter's unders for the January 26 game. However, player prop bets are typically limited to a maximum of $2,000 per bet.

It is worth noting that NBA players, coaches, and all league employees are prohibited from placing bets on NBA games, whether it is on the outcome itself or on prop bets of any kind.

Commissioner Silver expressed his deep concern for maintaining the integrity of the competition, stating that any issue related to it is of great importance to him and all those responsible for safeguarding the game. He also mentioned the need to learn from the way sports betting is monitored and regulated in other jurisdictions.

Porter, the brother of Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., has not played since March 22. The 24-year-old is in his first season with the Raptors and is on a two-way deal with the franchise. So far this season, he has averaged 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in 26 games.

As the investigation continues, the NBA will determine the appropriate disciplinary action for Porter, potentially setting a precedent for the league's stance on gambling and maintaining the integrity of the game.