Malik Beasley Under Federal Investigation for Gambling Ties

NBA guard Malik Beasley is under federal investigation over alleged gambling activity connected to NBA games, an anonymous source with knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press. 

“It’s Just an Investigation at This Point.” 

Beasley, who wrapped up the season with the Detroit Pistons and is currently a free agent, has not been charged with any wrongdoing. Still, the U.S. District Attorney’s office has launched an inquiry involving the 28-year-old.

“We are cooperating with the federal prosecutors’ investigation,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement issued Sunday to the AP and other outlets.

Beasley’s lawyer, Steve Haney, stressed that things are still in the early stages.

“There have been no charges against Malik,” Haney said. “It’s just an investigation at this point. We hope people reserve judgement until he’s charged — or if he’s charged. It’s not uncommon for there to be a federal investigation.”

The NBA has dealt with similar issues recently. In 2024, the league handed down a lifetime ban to Jontay Porter of the Toronto Raptors for violating betting policies, following a probe into suspicious prop betting activity. Porter later pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

In a similar case at the start of the year, Charlotte Hornets player Terry Rozier was also investigated over betting irregularities regarding a March 2023 game. 

No charges were filed against the 21-year-old Buckeye who is currently playing for the Miami Heat, but the episode once again emphasized the league’s growing concern about players’ involvement in gambling.

The Porter case raised eyebrows when the league found he had shared his injury status ahead of a March 2024 game with a bettor, who then placed an $80,000 wager against his performance. The bet would have paid out more than $1 million if successful.

The Pistons, “Very Interested” to Bring Beasley Back

Beasley had been expected to draw strong interest in free agency this summer, especially from Detroit. 

A second source told the AP that the Pistons were “very interested” in bringing him back to Detroit on a three-year, $42 million contract. Now, with the talks paused during the investigation, the potential deal is in limbo.

Beasley had a big year with Detroit, knocking down a franchise-record 319 three-pointers and helping the Pistons finally break their long playoff drought.The Atlanta native averaged 16.3 points per game and has suited up for six different teams since being drafted 19th overall out of Florida State in 2016.