Former NBA player Malik Beasley plans to change his plea to guilty in an alleged bribery and betting scheme, one of his attorneys confirmed to ESPN Saturday.
- The ex-NBA player is facing charges for his role in a betting scheme.
- Beasley initially pled guilty earlier this summer.
- Federal prosecutors allege Beasley manipulated his player props.
The former NBA player pleaded not guilty earlier this summer to multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and bribery. Beasley’s attorney at the time, Jason Goldman, shared that Beasley looked forward to fighting the case.
Less than three months later, Beasley has changed his tune.
Beasley is now represented by attorney Steve Haney, who shared with ESPN that the nine-year pro hasn't yet signed a plea deal with Department of Justice lawyers, but such a decision is expected in the coming days.
Beasley is facing charges related to manipulating his performances during the 2023-24 season with the Milwaukee Bucks. The investigation started last summer, with Beasley and former NBA forward Ed Davis being indicted on June 26 of this year.
Federal prosecutors have alleged that Beasley agreed to manipulate his performance in at least three games during that 2023-24 season. Prosecutors also released text messages between Beasley and his co-conspirators in the indictment.
NBA career derailed
Beasley last played in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons in the 2024-25 season. He missed the entirety of last season due to the investigation, and signed with the Santurce Crabbers in Puerto Rico.
Beasley earned nearly $60 million in his NBA career, but allegedly accumulated “multimillion-dollar gambling losses” prior to becoming a part of the betting scheme.
This is just one of many instances of players and coaches betting on sports in recent years. As sports betting legalization has grown, so has the recent surge of sports betting-related controversies.
Earlier this month, the NBA set new restrictions on props offered by sportsbooks in an attempt to slow down the surge.
