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Malik Beasley (Pistons photo)
Federal authorities have launched a criminal investigation into Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley involving allegations of gambling related to NBA games, ESPN reports.
The media outlet reports that the allegations stem from the 2023–24 season, when Beasley played for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Beasley signed a one-year contract last year with the Pistons for $6 million and is a free agent this year. Reports say the Pistons are interested in re-signing him, but the probe might create problems.
The investigation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New York, where the NBA is headquartered.
Acccording to ESPN
At least one prominent U.S. sportsbook detected unusually heavy betting interest on Beasley’s statistics beginning around January 2024, a gambling industry source told ESPN’s David Purdum.
A gambling industry source pointed to a game between the Bucks and the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 31, 2024. The odds on Beasley recording fewer than 2.5 rebounds moved significantly at sportsbooks before the game, shortening from around +120 to around -250 due to a surge of action on the under. Beasley finished with six rebounds, and the bets that were deemed unusual lost.
"An investigation is not a charge," Beasley's attorney, Steve Haney, told ESPN. "Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution. As of now, he has not been charged with anything."
