NBA player Malik Beasley is the subject of a federal investigation into suspicious gambling, according to a report published Sunday.
Beasley, 28, is currently a free agent but had been expected to re-sign with the Detroit Pistons. Those contract negotiations are currently on hold due to the gambling probe, sources told ESPN.
The feds are looking into a Jan. 31, 2024, game in which Beasley was playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, according to ESPN. Shortly before that game against the Portland Trail Blazers tipped off, large bets came in on Beasley to record fewer than 2.5 rebounds, sources told the outlet.
Beasley grabbed six rebounds in the game, meaning the suspicious bets lost. It is unclear if that is the only game authorities are looking into.
“An investigation is not a charge,” Beasley’s attorney, Steve Haney, told ESPN. “Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution. As of now he has not been charged with anything.”
Beasley is now at least the third NBA player to face a federal gambling investigation. Benchwarmer Jontay Porter was banned from the league for life in April 2024 after admitting to his role in a betting scheme. He later pleaded guilty to federal charges.
Ten-year veteran Terry Rozier, who has started nearly 400 games in his career, has also been investigated for suspicious betting patterns surrounding his participation but he has not been charged with any crimes and remains in the league.
Beasley has played for five teams in his nine-year career. He has developed a reputation as a sharpshooter and finished second in the league with 319 made threes last season. Earlier in his career, Beasley was suspended for 12 games in 2021 after pleading guilty to felony threats of violence. He served 120 days in jail.
