Federal prosecutors have backed off from Malik Beasley, but the NBA has not.
Key Takeaways
- Beasley is reportedly under NBA investigation for potential gambling violations.
- The league’s probe is nearly complete.
- Beasley has yet to sign a contract for the upcoming season.
The NBA is directing its own investigation into the free-agent guard for potential gambling violations and game manipulation during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks, the league told ESPN on Wednesday.
The probe is reportedly nearly complete, as Beasley, who played for the Detroit Pistons last year, continues to wait to sign a new NBA contract. Beasley’s attorney told ESPN his client is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Beasley’s stats during games in 2024 were reportedly flagged by at least one U.S. sportsbook for unusual betting activity, a source told ESPN. Before one game on Jan. 31, the under was reportedly hammered on Beasley’s 2.5-rebound player prop, shortening the odds from +120 to -250. Beasley went over that number, recording six boards.
Federal probe
Beasley was recently part of a federal probe that included the Jontay Porter betting scheme and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Porter was banned from the NBA for betting on his own team and manipulating his playing time to help a group of bettors hit unders on his player props. He pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in June 2024.
Beasley’s name was linked to the June investigation, and the NBA confirmed it was cooperating with the federal probe. Beasley was never charged, and his attorney said in August that prosecutors determined Beasley was no longer a target.
"Months after this investigation commenced, Malik remains uncharged and is not the target of this investigation," Steve Haney, one of Beasley’s attorneys, told ESPN last month. "An allegation with no charge, indictment, or conviction should never have the catastrophic consequence this has caused Malik. This has literally been the opposite of the presumption of innocence."
What’s next?
Beasley was close to signing a three-year, $42-million contract with the Pistons before the news of the federal investigation broke. The deal was put on hold, and other teams began to show interest.
Once cleared by the feds, Beasley expected to sign quickly, but it’s been nearly three weeks without a new contract. He recently said on Instagram that he was close to choosing his next team.
“People were saying some crazy things in the media ... people judging me,” Beasley said on social media in early August. “I’ll tell you one thing, I have a chip on my shoulder. I’m ready to destroy anybody in front of me. I’m ready to prove again I belong in this league.”
