Long Phi Pham Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Role in NBA Betting Scandal
The legal fallout from one of the most significant integrity crises in modern professional basketball reached a milestone this week. A Brooklyn man has been sentenced to prison for his central role in the NBA betting scandal that has implicated multiple players and sent shockwaves through the league. Long Phi "Bruce" Pham, 39, was sentenced on Wednesday to two years in federal prison, marking a definitive chapter in a case that exposed the intersection of gambling addiction and organized sports manipulation.
The Sentencing of Long Phi Pham
U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall handed down the 24-month sentence to Pham, a self-proclaimed gambling addict who was a key figure in a conspiracy to defraud sportsbooks. The sentencing follows Pham’s arrest and subsequent legal proceedings where he was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In addition to his two-year prison term, Pham was ordered to serve three years of supervised release. The court is expected to determine the exact amount of restitution he must pay at a later date.
The NBA betting scandal first gained national attention when suspicious wagering patterns were flagged on prop bets involving former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter. Prosecutors established that Pham and his co-conspirators leveraged inside information to place high-stakes bets, specifically targeting the "under" on Porter's performance metrics. Pham’s involvement was characterized by his attempts to coordinate these bets and his subsequent attempt to flee to Australia shortly after the investigation became public knowledge.
The Mechanics of the Jontay Porter Conspiracy
The core of the illicit operation centered on Jontay Porter, who has since been banned for life from the NBA. Porter was reportedly pressured into the scheme due to mounting gambling debts owed to the defendants. To satisfy these debts, Porter agreed to manipulate his time on the court, ensuring that bettors who wagered on his statistical "unders" would see a massive payout.
The investigation highlighted two specific games in early 2024 that triggered red flags:
- January 26, 2024: Porter left a game after just four minutes of play, claiming an eye injury.
- March 20, 2024: Porter exited a game after only three minutes, citing illness.
In both instances, the volume of betting on Porter’s statistics was exponentially higher than average, leading sportsbooks to alert the league and federal authorities. The scheme reportedly netted the conspirators and their associates hundreds of thousands of dollars before the operation was dismantled.
Terry Rozier’s Indictment and Legal Standing
While Jontay Porter was the initial focus of the NBA betting scandal, the scope of the investigation expanded significantly to include other high-profile figures. Most notably, veteran guard Terry Rozier, currently with the Miami Heat, has faced serious legal repercussions. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting he was merely a subject of interest, federal records from October 2025 confirm that Rozier was indicted and arrested on charges of wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy related to this betting ring.
Prosecutors allege that Rozier’s involvement was part of a broader conspiracy to facilitate the group’s activities. Court documents have previously pointed to a $100,000 bet placed on Rozier during his tenure with the Charlotte Hornets as part of the defendants' betting history. Rozier has pleaded not guilty to all charges and currently awaits further legal proceedings. His indictment represents a significant escalation in the case, illustrating that the federal investigation has reached into the upper echelons of the league's active rosters.
Integrity and the Future of the NBA
The sentencing of Long Phi Pham serves as a stern warning to those who would attempt to compromise the fairness of professional sports. For the NBA, the scandal has prompted a rigorous re-evaluation of its relationship with the sports betting industry. As legal wagering becomes more integrated into the fan experience, the league has faced increasing pressure to implement stricter monitoring and player education programs to prevent similar occurrences.
The NBA betting scandal has already resulted in the permanent ban of one player and the federal indictment of another. As the legal system continues to process the remaining co-conspirators, the league remains focused on restoring the trust of its global audience. The resolution of Pham's case is a critical step toward accountability, but the ongoing legal battle involving Terry Rozier ensures that the shadow of this scandal will remain over the league for the foreseeable future.
