Coban Porter, a former University of Denver basketball standout, is set to rejoin the college game at Metropolitan State University of Denver after spending years behind bars for a drunk‑driving crash that claimed the life of Kathy Limon Rothman.
Porter had been sentenced to six years for vehicular homicide and assault following the 2023 incident, but a combination of good‑conduct credits, completion of college courses and a forest‑fire mitigation program secured his early release. He has now been sober since the night of the crash and says he will never drink again.
In a recent interview, Porter thanked the second chance he has been given and outlined his intention to use his platform to warn others about the devastation of impaired driving, pledging to speak publicly about the issue.
The family of the victim, however, remains opposed to his return to sports, emphasizing that no amount of redemption can undo the irreversible loss they endure.
A Campus Committed to Transformation
Metropolitan State University of Denver, known as MSU Denver, positions itself at the intersection of access, opportunity and transformation, welcoming students from all walks of life, including those who have been justice‑impacted. The university’s mission statement underscores its commitment to providing pathways for individuals seeking a fresh start.
University officials have indicated that Porter’s reinstatement aligns with that philosophy, while also noting that his presence will be evaluated in the context of team dynamics and the broader campus community.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has acknowledged that accountability is a crucial component of healing, and the organization has highlighted the sobering statistic that more than 11,500 Americans die each year in drunk‑driving crashes, with Colorado alone reporting roughly 200 such fatalities annually.
Porter’s brothers, Jontay and Jevon, have also faced legal troubles — Jontay was banned for life by the NBA for gambling, while Jevon was charged with a misdemeanor DWI in Missouri — adding another layer of complexity to the family’s public narrative.
If all goes as planned, Porter could see minutes on the court this winter, potentially earning a spot in the starting lineup and using each game as a platform for his advocacy.