Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley is under investigation by federal authorities on charges that relate to gambling. Details are still emerging but sources are reporting that the investigation is centered on allegations related to Beasley’s play in a January, 2024 game between the Milwaukee Bucks (Beasley’s team at the time) and the Portland Trailblazer, which saw heavy action on Beasley prop bets.
As of this writing Beasley is merely under investigation and has not been charged with any crimes by any authorities. Beasley’s attorney Steve Haney was quick to point this difference out in comments reported on by ESPN.com saying, “An investigation is not a charge. 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.”
NBA spokesman Mike Bass was more abrupt when discussing the situation saying only, “We are cooperating with the federal prosecutors’ investigation.”
The six foot, nine arch guard is the latest NBA player to find that the league, and the federal government, are very serious about investigating irregularities in betting patterns, especially when they relate to individual player props. Last year Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter was banned from the NBA after irregularities emerged regarding his play, and its relationship to individual player props.
From the outside, Beasley doesn’t necessarily fit the stereotype of a player who is compromised by a need for cash. The journeyman guard is currently in negotiations on a $42 million contract with the Bucks. Those negotiation have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.