Here’s the latest on Malik Beasley’s situation:
- Federal Investigation Confirmed: Beasley is under a federal probe by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York—specializing in wire fraud—over alleged gambling on NBA games and player prop bets during the 2023–24 season with the Milwaukee Bucks .
- Trigger: Unusual Betting Patterns: At least one major sportsbook detected anomalous betting activity—particularly around January 2024—where odds on Beasley’s rebounds dropped significantly before a Bucks–Trail Blazers game; he exceeded expectations, drawing attention .
- Impact on Contract Talks: Considered a top free agent this summer, Beasley was in advanced negotiations with the Detroit Pistons for a potential ~$42 million deal. Those discussions have been put on hold amid the investigation .
- No Charges Yet; NBA Cooperation Underway: The NBA is fully cooperating with federal authorities. Beasley was not charged at this time, and his attorney emphasized the investigation is not a determination of guilt .
- Gambling Policy in Focus: This follows past NBA cases (e.g., Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban, Terry Rozier’s earlier investigation, referee Tim Donaghy). The league maintains a strict “zero-tolerance” policy on gambling .
- Broader Concerns: Analysts warn that the booming world of individual prop bets could heighten corruption risks—similar to concerns flagged after Jontay Porter’s case .
So where does that leave us?
The investigation centers on Beasley’s activities from January–February 2024. Although serious, it’s still underway, and he hasn’t been charged. But the timing couldn’t be worse: as a top free agent, losing a potential $42M deal and facing intense scrutiny could derail his career.
