Former NBA player Malik Beasley is currently in discussions with the Department of Justice regarding a potential plea deal after having initially entered a not guilty plea to accusations that he manipulated his performance in specific games in 2024 to benefit sports gamblers while alleviating his own financial troubles, as reported by his attorney on Saturday.
Back in July, Beasley submitted his not guilty plea at a federal court in New York. He is one of several prominent figures entangled in a far-reaching federal investigation into gambling activities.
Beasley’s lawyer, Steve Haney, communicated with The Associated Press via text, indicating that they are in the process of reaching an understanding with the government “with anticipated developments forthcoming in the next few days.”
At 29 years old, Beasley, alongside sports agent Paolo Zamorano—who has also maintained a not guilty stance—constitutes one of six individuals indicted earlier this summer in connection with a gambling scandal that has led to the apprehension of more than thirty individuals.
Zamorano, who is 39, previously represented Ed Davis, another co-defendant, an ex-NBA player who lent money to Beasley and is alleged to have acted as his “gatekeeper” in the purported conspiracy.
Beasley faces allegations of either fixing or attempting to fix his performance in no less than four games while he was part of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024 by either falling short of or exceeding bookmakers’ predictions. According to the indictment, Beasley was bribed by bettors in return—resulting in a reduction or complete elimination of his debts to Davis.
“The only way you can defeat Vegas is through sports betting,” Davis mentioned to Beasley in a text message dated January 26, 2024, as outlined in the indictment. “In every other aspect, they have the upper hand.”
After amassing millions of dollars in gambling losses, Beasley borrowed funds from Davis, a former teammate. His financial troubles have been well-documented, encompassing disputes with a landlord in Detroit, a barber in Milwaukee, and a dentist in Minnesota. A lawsuit from a sports marketing firm in 2025 culminated in a default judgment of $1 million against him.
Since his time with the Detroit Pistons during the 2024-25 season on a one-year, $6 million deal, Beasley has not played in the NBA. He averaged 16 points per game and recorded 20 points in his final game, a playoff defeat against the New York Knicks. He ranks among the top five players in NBA history with over 300 three-pointers in a single season.
