Malik Beasley negotiating plea deal in NBA betting scandal

Former NBA player Malik Beasley is negotiating a plea agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice following a federal investigation into a sports betting and bribery scheme. Beasley, 29, had previously pleaded not guilty in July to charges including wire fraud conspiracy, bribery in sporting contests, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy.

Prosecutors allege that Beasley manipulated his on-court performance in at least four games while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2023-24 season to benefit bettors and settle millions of dollars in personal gambling debts. The indictment suggests Beasley worked with co-defendants to under- or overperform specific statistical thresholds, such as scoring or rebounding lines, to facilitate lucrative prop bets.

Beasley is among six individuals charged in a sweeping federal investigation that has resulted in more than three dozen arrests. Other defendants include sports agent Paolo Zamorano and former NBA player Ed Davis, who is accused of acting as a “gatekeeper” in the scheme. Beasley’s attorney, Steve Haney, indicated that a decision regarding the direction of the plea negotiations is expected in the coming days.