DETROIT, MI – Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley is currently the subject of a federal investigation concerning allegations of gambling on NBA games and prop bets, ESPN reported Sunday, citing unnamed sources. The investigation reportedly focuses on the 2023-24 season, when Beasley was with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Malik Beasley Faces Federal Probe Over Alleged NBA Gambling
Sources within the gambling industry revealed that at least one major U.S. sportsbook detected significant, unusual betting activity on Beasley’s statistics. One particular instance highlighted was prior to a January 31, 2024, game between the Bucks and the Portland Trail Blazers. Odds on Beasley recording fewer than 2.5 rebounds saw a drastic shift from +120 to -250, driven by a flood of bets on the “under.” Despite the heavy wagering, Beasley ultimately recorded six rebounds, meaning those unusual bets did not pay out.
Beasley’s attorney, Steve Haney, asserted to ESPN that an investigation does not equate to a charge and that Beasley maintains his presumption of innocence. Haney confirmed he has been in communication with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York, which he understands is spearheading the probe.
The ongoing investigation has reportedly stalled negotiations for a potential three-year, $42 million contract that would have seen the 28-year-old sharpshooter return to the Pistons. Both the Detroit Pistons and the NBA have publicly stated their awareness of the investigation and their full cooperation with federal prosecutors. This development comes on the heels of the NBA’s recent decision to ban former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter for similar gambling-related violations.
The federal investigation into Malik Beasley’s alleged gambling activities comes on the heels of a similar probe involving Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Earlier this year, federal authorities investigated Rozier for unusual betting patterns tied to a March 2023 game when he played for the Charlotte Hornets. To date, Rozier has not faced any criminal charges or NBA sanctions.
This isn’t Beasley’s first encounter with legal issues. In 2020, while with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of threats of violence. He subsequently served 120 days in jail after the 2020-21 season and was suspended for 12 games by the NBA in 2021 as a result of the plea.
Beasley’s career has seen him move frequently. After six seasons with the Denver Nuggets and Timberwolves, he’s been a journeyman, playing for five different teams in just four years, with the Pistons being his latest stop.
