NBA champion Michael Porter Jr. is a key player with the Denver Nuggets, but concerning news surrounding the player’s family situation means he will begin the NBA Playoffs at a difficult time.
A family drama marks his days leading up to the start of the ring defence.
His younger brother Jontay, who also plays in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors, was banned for life from the league after his alleged involvement in gambling was discovered. And the youngest of the Porter brothers, Coban, was sentenced to six years in prison after a traffic accident last year.
Coban, also a basketball player at the University of Denver, was found to have been driving a speeding car after he had consumed alcohol in January 2023.
He collided with Uber driver Katharina Rothman, 42, along with her passenger. Unfortunately, the accident was fatal and Rothman was killed, with her passenger seriously injured in the incident.
Porter‘s breathalyzer tested with a blood alcohol level of 0.19, meaning he was over twice the legal limit of 0.08.
Michael Porter supports brother Coban
Court proceedings have already begun and the case is close to being resolved just as the NBA enters its critical phase, with Coban apologising for his actions.
“I can only say I’m sorry. I thought I was invincible. It’s the first time I’ve ever driven after drinking,” Coban said.
His older brother, Nuggets star Porter, even testified about his character at the trial: “I wouldn’t be who I am now without a brother like Coban. He pushed me to be better every day,” he said.
The DUI conviction carries a six-year sentence and it comes at the same as the NBA’s decision to suspend his other brother, Jontay, after allegedly making suspicious movements in relation to NBA games while he played for the Raptors.