Federal Inquiry Targets NBA Player Malik Beasley Over Alleged Gambling Activities

Malik Beasley, a nine-year veteran of the National Basketball Association, is currently under federal investigation concerning suspected involvement in betting on NBA matches during the 2023-24 season. The probe focuses on his activities while he was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks, raising questions about integrity within the league.

Background and Career Highlights

At 28 years old, Beasley played the previous season with the Detroit Pistons, a team that made its first playoff appearance since 2019. Known for his scoring ability, Beasley was projected to secure a lucrative contract during this year’s free agency period. Drafted in the first round in 2016 by the Denver Nuggets, he has accumulated career earnings nearing $60 million through stints with multiple teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, Bucks, and Pistons. Last season, he averaged 16.3 points per game, shooting 43% from beyond the arc, and played in all 82 games for the Pistons.

Current Status of the Investigation

An NBA spokesperson confirmed that the league is actively cooperating with federal authorities regarding the investigation. While the Pistons organization acknowledged awareness of the inquiry, they stated they have no additional information to share. Similarly, a representative from the Milwaukee Bucks declined to comment on the matter. Beasley’s legal representative, Steve Haney, emphasized that an investigation does not equate to guilt, noting that Beasley has not been formally charged with any offense.

Implications for Beasley’s Future

Given the ongoing federal probe, Beasley’s prospects for re-signing with the Pistons or signing with another NBA team remain uncertain. The Pistons had reportedly been considering offering Beasley a multi-year deal exceeding $40 million, but the investigation could impact those plans. His previous legal issues include a 2020 guilty plea to a felony charge for threatening violence, after pointing a rifle at a vehicle outside his Minnesota home. He served 78 days of a 120-day sentence and was suspended for 12 games by the NBA for that incident.

Gambling Scandals and League Policies

Historical Context: The Case of Jontay Porter

In 2024, the NBA suspended former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter for violating league gambling policies following a federal investigation into suspicious betting patterns on his games. Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud but has yet to be sentenced. The league’s findings revealed that Porter shared confidential health information with bettors, limited his own participation in certain games to influence betting outcomes, and placed bets on his own performances. Notably, an associate of Porter wagered $80,000 on him underperforming, aiming to win over $1 million.

League’s Stance on Gambling

Since the early 2000s, the NBA has maintained strict rules prohibiting all personnel-including players, coaches, and referees-from betting on league games. Violations can lead to hefty fines, suspensions, or termination of contracts. Despite the league’s support for legalized sports betting and partnerships with gambling companies during Commissioner Adam Silver’s tenure, it has been vigilant about preventing corruption and maintaining the integrity of the game.

Recent Developments and Ongoing Investigations

In January 2025, the NBA announced that Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was under federal investigation related to gambling activities during the 2023-24 season when he was with the Charlotte Hornets. The league clarified that its internal review cleared Rozier of any wrongdoing, and he has not been formally charged. The league continues to monitor and address issues surrounding gambling to uphold the sport’s integrity and public trust.

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