Former NBA Guard Malik Beasley Nears Plea Deal in Federal Sports Betting Scandal

POLICY WIRE — New York, USA — Former NBA standout Malik Beasley is currently in discussions with the Department of Justice to finalize a plea agreement. This development follows his initial not guilty plea regarding accusations that he manipulated his on-court performance during the 2024 season to benefit sports bettors and mitigate his personal financial liabilities.

Beasley, 29, originally entered his not guilty plea in a New York federal court this past July. He remains one of several prominent figures ensnared in a broad federal investigation into professional sports gambling.

Steve Haney, the attorney representing Beasley, confirmed to The Associated Press via text message that negotiations with federal authorities are ongoing. He noted that the case is moving toward an expected resolution in the coming days.

The legal proceedings stem from an indictment unsealed this summer involving six individuals, including Beasley and sports agent Paolo Zamorano. The group faces multiple charges, including wire fraud conspiracy, bribery in sporting contests, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy.

Prosecutors allege that Beasley attempted to influence his performance in at least four games while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024. The indictment claims he intentionally underperformed or overperformed to meet bookmakers’ expectations, with the resulting bribes used to reduce or eliminate debts owed to former teammate Ed Davis.

According to the indictment, Davis allegedly acted as a gatekeeper for the scheme. In a text message sent to Beasley on Jan. 26, 2024, Davis wrote, Only way you can beat Vegas is sports betting. Everything else they got the edge.

Beasley’s financial struggles have been well-documented, including disputes with a Milwaukee barber, a Detroit landlord, and a Minnesota dentist. A 2025 lawsuit filed by a sports marketing agency also resulted in a $1 million default judgment against the former player.

Beasley last played in the NBA during the 2024-25 season for the Detroit Pistons on a one-year, $6 million contract. A prolific shooter, he is one of only five players in league history to record more than 300 three-pointers in a single season.

The broader gambling sweep has already seen convictions, with former NBA player Damon Jones, 49, becoming the first to plead guilty in April. The investigation has led to more than three dozen arrests to date.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)