Former NBA player Malik Beasley has firmly denied manipulating games to win prop bets. He faces accusations of altering his performance during at least four games in 2024 while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks. The accusations allege that Beasley adjusted the quality of his game to defy bookmaker odds. In exchange, his debts to former NBA player Ed Davis, another defendant, were cleared.
Beasley Reportedly Faced Financial Difficulties
Beasley and Davis were some of the latest NBA stars entangled in a federal probe into potentially manipulated games. They are among six defendants who face charges of fraud conspiracy, bribery in sporting contests, and money laundering conspiracy. According to US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr., the defendants won hundreds of thousands of dollars in wagers through their scheme.
Earlier reports speculated that Beasley’s alleged involvement in the betting ring may have been out of desperation. The athlete reportedly had severe financial difficulties, even getting evicted from his home last year after accumulating millions of dollars in gambling losses. Beasley would reportedly then take a substantial loan from Davis, possibly laying the groundwork for their scheme.
Beasley was released on bond with the help of his parents. He will be back in court for a status conference on August 6 along with other defendants such as sports agent Paolo Zamorano, who also pleaded not guilty. Beasley last played in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons in the 2024-2025 season but missed this year’s games due to the ongoing investigation.
The NBA Has Taken Measures to Address Deficiencies
During the latest court session, Beasley kept his statements short, relying on his lawyer, Jason Goldman, to do most of the talking. Goldman reminded the court that his client was presumed innocent until proven otherwise and confirmed Beasley would fight the accusations. The lawyer also took the task of dealing with the reporters outside the courthouse, shielding his client from the media’s questions.
This case adds to the ongoing integrity concerns in professional basketball. Another high-profile investigation centers on former NBA guard Terry Rozier. The athlete faces charges of sports bribery and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, to which he pleaded not guilty. Rozier allegedly provided insider information, allowing connected bettors to score easy wins.
According to US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr., these incidents threaten to undermine the integrity of the sport, turning professional basketball into a criminal betting operation. The NBA has tightened some of the rules surrounding wagering, changing how injuries are reported and introducing mandatory education for athletes. It remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough.