NBA Star Larry Nance Jr. Quickly Clarifies Comments - 'No, I Am Not Betting On Sports'

Be careful what you say!

That's what NBA star Larry Nance Jr. realized on the spot when he mistakenly used the phrase "betting on" when talking about the playoffs with reporters. 

Immediately, Nance realized how what he said could be taken the wrong way and clarified that he was in fact not betting on basketball while also taking a slight jab at former Raptors forward Jontay Porter.

NANCE IMMEDIATELY CLARIFIED HIS STATEMENT

"Respectfully, I'm betting on the Pelicans," the 31-year-old center began. "[Wait a minute] No, I'm not betting. I'm not betting on anything - I don't own a betting app, none of that!" he continued before adding that he was no 'Jontay Porter."

Porter received a lifetime ban from the NBA earlier this week after an investigation by federal authorities and also the league found that he had placed illegal bets not only on the NBA - but also the Raptors games he was playing in!

Nance's reaction, although jokingly, definitely had a serious underlining tone to it as well. This is the day and age that athletes now find themselves in - sports betting is everywhere and a huge financial factor for teams and professional sports leagues when it comes to advertising revenue. Just look at all the Shohei Ohtani drama that's occurred in the past month. 

ATHLETES AND CONCERNS ABOUT GAMBLING SCANDALS

Nance had to clarify his position because the lines between athletes and sports betting continue to be blurred. I'm sure he also knew that if he didn't clarify his position, some loser reporter on social media wouldn't have picked up his sarcasm and probably would have called for an investigation. 

Meanwhile, you can be sure fans are going to be putting some wagers on Larry Nance Jr. when the Pelicans head to Oklahoma City tomorrow to take on the Thunder in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs.