Coban Porter, brother of Denver Nuggets player Michael Porter Jr., was sentenced to six years in prison for causing a fatal drunk-driving crash that killed a woman. The incident occurred in January 2023 when Porter ran a red light and crashed into a vehicle driven by Kathy Limon Rothman, resulting in her death and serious injuries to a passenger in her car. Porter was reportedly driving drunk with a blood alcohol level of .19. He pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and assault and expressed remorse in court, acknowledging the impact of his actions on Rothman’s family.
The sentencing of Coban Porter came just two days after his brother, Jontay Porter, was banned for life from the NBA for his involvement in a gambling scheme. Jontay was found to have disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, limited his own participation in games for betting purposes, and placed bets on NBA games. The investigation revealed clear instances where Porter’s behavior influenced the outcomes of games he was involved in, leading to his lifetime ban from the league.
The Porter family has a strong basketball background, with sisters Bri and Cierra playing college basketball at Missouri and brothers Michael Jr. and Jontay also playing for the university before pursuing professional careers. Michael Jr. found success in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets, while Jontay played in the G League before joining the Toronto Raptors. The family’s basketball legacy has now been overshadowed by the legal troubles and bans faced by Coban and Jontay, respectively.
Rothman’s mother, Connie Johnson, spoke in court about the devastating impact of the crash on her family, highlighting the loss and trauma they have experienced as a result of Porter’s actions. Johnson expressed how the tragic event has changed their lives forever, leaving her grandson without a mother, her son-in-law a widower, and herself and her husband grieving the loss of a child. The pain and anguish caused by the crash have become a constant reality for Rothman’s loved ones.
Coban Porter, previously a guard for the University of Denver basketball team, had a promising career before the fatal crash that led to his incarceration. Despite his potential on the court, Porter’s decision to drive drunk resulted in a tragic loss of life and significant consequences for both himself and the Rothman family. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the lasting impact it can have on individuals and communities.
As one brother faces a prison sentence and another a lifetime ban from the NBA, Michael Porter Jr. continues to play for the Denver Nuggets, preparing for the team’s title defense. The contrasting paths of the Porter brothers highlight the importance of responsible behavior and decision-making, as well as the far-reaching consequences of actions that put others at risk. The family’s struggles serve as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of reckless behavior and the importance of accountability in the face of tragedy.
