Former NBA Guard Malik Beasley Denies Gambling Charges

BROOKLYN, N.Y.: Former NBA guard Malik Beasley pleaded not guilty Wednesday in a federal gambling case tied to alleged player prop manipulation.

The plea moves one of the most closely watched NBA betting cases into its next phase, with prosecutors alleging Beasley altered parts of his performance to benefit bettors.

Beasley appeared in Brooklyn federal court and spoke briefly during the arraignment. His attorney, Jason Goldman, entered the not guilty plea on his behalf.

The plea follows the indictment earlier this week, when Beasley and former NBA player Ed Davis were charged in a sports betting manipulation case. Prosecutors allege the scheme involved player prop wagers tied to Beasley’s performance while he was with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Beasley Released on Bond

Beasley was released on $100,000 bond after the hearing. His parents co-signed the bond, and he was barred from gambling or contacting witnesses and co-defendants while the case continues.

NBA player agent Paolo Zamorano also pleaded not guilty Wednesday. Beasley and Zamorano are due back in court for a status conference on August 6.

Goldman told reporters that Beasley looks forward to fighting the charges. He said Beasley is presumed innocent and that an indictment does not prove guilt.

The arraignment came after federal prosecutors charged Beasley, Davis, Zamorano and three other defendants in the alleged scheme. The charges remain allegations, and Beasley’s attorney said he intends to fight the case.

Prosecutors Allege Performance Manipulation

Federal prosecutors allege Beasley agreed with Davis and others to manipulate his performance in multiple games while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024. The indictment says Davis was described as Beasley’s “gatekeeper” and had loaned him money after Beasley accumulated gambling debts.

Prosecutors allege Beasley accepted bribes that were used to reduce or pay off debts he owed Davis. The alleged betting ring placed fraudulent wagers totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, including examples of bets totaling $75,000 with winnings of at least $121,000.

The indictment cites several Bucks games from 2024, including matchups against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets. Prosecutors allege Beasley either underperformed or overperformed against player prop lines so bettors could profit.

One cited example involved a March 10, 2024 game against the Clippers. Prosecutors allege Beasley told Davis he planned to exceed a rebounding line of around 3.5, then secured his fourth rebound in the final second of the game.

NBA Gambling Probe Continues

The case is part of a wider federal gambling investigation involving current and former basketball figures. Other defendants in related cases have included former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones.

Jones pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiracy charges in connection with schemes involving sportsbooks and poker games. Prosecutors have said Jones is also a co-conspirator in the indictment involving Beasley and Davis.

The allegations have increased scrutiny of sports betting integrity, especially around player prop markets where individual statistics can become betting outcomes. For leagues, sportsbooks and regulators, the case adds pressure to monitor nonpublic information and unusual wagering patterns around individual players.

The charges remain allegations. Beasley, Zamorano and the other defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

RELATED TOPICS: Regulation