In a tragic case that has shocked the sports community, Coban Porter, the brother of Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr., has been sentenced to six years in prison for causing the death of a woman in a drunk-driving accident last year.

Porter, 22, pleaded guilty in February to vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. As part of a plea agreement, he faced a maximum sentence of eight years behind bars, averting a potential 12-year sentence if the agreement hadn't been reached.

During the sentencing hearing in a Denver courtroom on Friday, Porter expressed remorse and offered an apology. He acknowledged his mistake and the irreversible consequences of his actions. "All I can really say is that I'm sorry... I never thought I'd be standing here. It wasn't the first time I chose to drink and drive... I'm so sorry," Porter said.

The fatal incident occurred on January 22, 2023, when Porter was driving under the influence and ran a red light at the intersection of South University and Buchtel boulevards in Denver. His vehicle collided with another car, resulting in the death of Kathy Limon Rothman, a 42-year-old Uber driver who left behind a young son. A passenger in Rothman's vehicle also suffered serious injuries.

Prosecutors revealed that Porter's blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit at the time of the crash, measuring at .19. Additionally, Porter was driving 50 mph in a 30 mph zone. These factors substantiated the prosecution's argument that the crash was not an accident but a result of Porter's reckless decisions.

During the emotional hearing in Denver District Court, many individuals spoke both in support of Rothman's grieving family and on behalf of Porter. Michael Porter Jr., visibly affected by the tragedy, spoke about his brother's character and the impact he had on his own career. "I truly don't think I'd be in the position I am today as a professional basketball player without a brother like Coban pushing me every day," he stated.

In their request for appropriate sentencing, prosecutors urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence of eight years for the vehicular homicide charge and six years for the vehicular assault charge. They highlighted the duration Porter ignored a red light before the collision and his failure to take any precautions until half a second before impact.

In response, Porter agreed that his decisions ultimately caused the accident and accepted responsibility for his actions. He expressed regret for the harm caused to the victim's family.

Kathy Limon Rothman's mother, Connie Johnson, addressed the court, emphasizing the devastating loss that her family has endured. Johnson did not request a specific sentence but implored Porter to use his position and influence to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving.

In closing arguments, Porter's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, informed the court that his client had abstained from alcohol and driving since the tragic incident. Steinberg proposed a sentence that required Porter to engage with young people in schools, sharing his experience and educating them on the perils of drunk driving.

Ultimately, District Court Judge Erica Englert announced a six-year prison sentence for Porter, taking into consideration the severity of the actions committed. The judge acknowledged the importance of Porter using his status as a public figure to spread awareness of the consequences of drunk driving.

As the legal process concludes, the impact of this tragedy continues to be deeply felt by both families involved. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible decision-making and the devastating consequences that can result from driving under the influence.