Coban Porter sentenced to 6 years in deadly DUI crash

DENVER (KDVR) — Coban Porter, the younger brother of Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr., has been sentenced to six years for his role in a deadly DUI crash.

Porter was sentenced on Friday, and Michael testified at the hearing.

“I wish it was me and not Coban. I wish I could trade places with you and take this off you but I know if there’s anybody that will make it right and make any good if possible come out of the situation it’s you,” Michael Porter Jr. said.

Porter, a University of Denver athlete, was arrested on Jan. 22, 2023, on investigation of vehicular homicide in Denver’s University neighborhood. In February, he pleaded guilty to DUI charges after originally pleading not guilty in October 2023.

“I don’t know why her life was taken and not mine. It was my choice. Ten times out of 10 I would rather it be me than her,” Coban said at the sentencing. “I hope whatever comes from this sentence, it brings you even just a little bit of peace and I’m sorry.”

According to the probable cause statement, Porter was driving at an estimated speed of 50 mph on eastbound Buchtel Boulevard when he ran a red light at South University Boulevard.

NBA bans Raptors’ Jontay Porter after wagering bet made $1.1 million

Katharina Rothman, 42, was pronounced dead on scene. Her passenger, 47-year-old Jason Blanch, was seriously injured.

“The recognition that I no longer get to make or share any more memories with my daughter is harrowing and lonely as a parent you’re not supposed to bury your children,” Rothman’s mother said at the sentencing.

Denver District Attorney Beth McCann called the case a “cautionary tale of the disasters that often result when people drink and drive.”

“Katharina’s death was a terrible tragedy and my heart breaks for her family and friends. She was a loving and devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend who should still be with us today,” said McCann. “We appreciate that Mr. Porter took accountability for his behavior from the beginning and expressed deep sorrow for his actions. However, given the severity of Mr. Porter’s crimes, the prison sentence he received is appropriate.”

Lawsuit: Porter overserved before deadly crash

The Rothman and Blanch family both filed lawsuits against Porter in January.

Both lawsuits allege that Porter began drinking at the Crimson and Gold Tavern sports bar and was “visibly intoxicated.” He left the bar just before the 2 a.m. closing time and began driving a 2014 Ford Edge.

Porter’s vehicle crashed into a 2023 Tesla T3 driven by Rothman, who was northbound on South University Boulevard. Rothman was operating as an Uber driver for Blanch at the time.

According to both lawsuits, Rothman had a green light and Porter did not. He failed to yield the right-of-way, causing the crash.

Porter’s blood was taken at a local hospital after the crash, and he allegedly had a blood alcohol content of 0.20, which exceeded the legal limit of 0.08, according to the lawsuit filed by Blanch.

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Both lawsuits contend that Porter’s negligence in driving while intoxicated led to the crash, which caused the death of Rothman and the serious injury of Blanch.

Other Porter brother recently banned from NBA

On Wednesday, the NBA banned Toronto Raptors’ Jontay Porter after an investigation found that Porter changed his participation in games for betting purposes.

The NBA was investigating betting issues with Porter in two games on Jan. 26 and March 20, according to ESPN. During these two games, there was an increased betting interest which turned out to be the biggest money makers for both nights.

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