Federal Charges Filed in Alleged Betting Scheme
Former NBA player Malik Beasley has been indicted on federal charges related to an alleged sports betting operation. Prosecutors assert that Beasley intentionally modified his on-court performance during games to benefit individuals placing wagers.
On June 24, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of New York returned an indictment, charging Beasley, alongside former NBA player Ed Davis, current player agent Paolo Zamorano, and three other individuals. The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, sports bribery, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The indictment alleges that Beasley and his co-defendants participated in a scheme between December 2023 and April 2024. This operation purportedly involved using confidential information regarding Beasley's planned performances to place profitable bets. During this period, Beasley was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.
"Bribery and insider betting schemes like this one involving former NBA players and a current NBA player agent who exploited inside NBA information for profit erode the integrity of American sports and victimize the sports-watching public," stated U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr.
Allegations of Game Manipulation Detailed
The indictment specifically outlines several Milwaukee Bucks games that prosecutors claim were subject to manipulation.
For instance, before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 26, 2024, prosecutors allege that Beasley informed Davis of his intention to underperform in rebounds. Subsequently, co-conspirators reportedly placed thousands of dollars on prop bets predicting Beasley's "under rebounds." Beasley ultimately recorded three rebounds in that game, which was one fewer than the established betting line.
Further allegations in the indictment refer to games against the Charlotte Hornets on February 27 and the Los Angeles Clippers on March 10. Prosecutors contend that Beasley also supplied inside information about his planned points and rebounds performance before these contests.
Current Status of Defendants
According to court documents, four of the named defendants were apprehended on Monday morning and are scheduled for arraignment in Brooklyn at a later date. As of Monday, Beasley and Zamorano were not in custody.
However, Steve Haney, Beasley's attorney, has indicated that the government is arranging a voluntary surrender for his client later this week, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.
Beasley, 29, last competed in the NBA during the 2024-25 season with the Detroit Pistons, where he averaged 16.3 points per game. He has not played in the league since his name emerged in gambling investigations last year. Ed Davis concluded his 12-year NBA career in 2022, having played for eight different franchises.
