Coban Porter, the brother of NBA star Michael Porter Jr., has been sentenced to six years in prison for causing a fatal drunk-driving crash that resulted in the death of Kathy Limon Rothman. The incident occurred in January 2023, when Coban ran a red light and collided with Rothman’s vehicle. His blood alcohol level was .19 at the time of the crash, and he pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and assault, facing up to 12 years in prison. In court, he expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging the impact of his choices on Rothman’s family.
Rothman’s mother, Connie Johnson, spoke in court about the devastation caused by her daughter’s death, highlighting the profound loss experienced by the family. Coban’s basketball career at the University of Denver was cut short following the crash, where he averaged 11.4 points per game in his freshman year. The Porter family has a strong basketball legacy, with Coban’s older sisters Bri and Cierra playing at Missouri, and Michael Jr. achieving success in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets. Jontay Porter, the other brother, also played college basketball and had a brief stint in the NBA before being banned for life due to his involvement in a gambling scheme.
Jontay Porter’s ban from the NBA came after an investigation revealed that he had shared confidential information with sports bettors, manipulated his own participation in games for betting purposes, and placed bets on NBA games. The investigation uncovered suspicious betting patterns coinciding with Porter’s actions on the court, leading to his permanent removal from the league. With one brother banned from the NBA and another sentenced to prison, Michael Jr. is left to carry on the family name in the NBA as he prepares for the Nuggets’ title defense. The Porter family has faced significant challenges and setbacks, but Michael Jr. remains focused on his basketball career despite the turmoil surrounding his siblings.
The tragic consequences of Coban Porter’s actions have had a profound impact on the Rothman family, with Connie Johnson expressing the enduring pain and trauma caused by her daughter’s death. The loss of Kathy Rothman has left a void in her family, affecting not only her son but also her husband, son-in-law, and parents. Coban’s remorse in court reflects the gravity of the situation and the permanent damage caused by his reckless behavior. As the Porter family navigates through these difficult circumstances, they are confronted with the harsh realities of their choices and the consequences that follow, reshaping their lives and their future.
Despite the dark cloud hanging over the Porter family, Michael Jr. continues to focus on his basketball career and the upcoming season with the Denver Nuggets. As he prepares for the team’s title defense, he carries the weight of his family’s struggles while striving to excel on the court. The challenges faced by his siblings have undoubtedly affected him, but he remains determined to make the most of his opportunities and contribute to his team’s success. As the Nuggets gear up for the new season, Michael Jr. will be a key player in their quest for another championship, hoping to bring some light to his family amidst the shadows of their recent hardships.
