Federal prosecutors have turned an NBA player prop investigation into a criminal case involving Malik Beasley, Ed Davis, NBA agent Paolo Zamorano, and three other defendants. The indictment centers on alleged inside betting information tied to Milwaukee Bucks games during the 2023-2024 season.
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The indictment filed in Brooklyn federal court does not accuse the group of fixing final scores. Prosecutors instead focused on player prop markets, where a single stat such as rebounds or points can create betting value.
That detail gives the case extra weight for U.S. sports betting integrity. Player props have already drawn attention from leagues and regulators because one athlete can affect a narrow betting market without changing who wins the game.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said:
“As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, bribing then-NBA player Malik Beasley to fix his performance in multiple games in order to place fraudulent wagers, enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks.
“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.”
The defendants face serious penalties if convicted. Wire fraud and money laundering each carry up to 20 years in prison, while bribery in sporting contests carries up to five years.
Prosecutors said Beasley had millions of dollars in gambling losses and owed Davis money after receiving several loans. The indictment says Davis reduced or excused debt in exchange for Beasley affecting game performance.
Before one alleged manipulated game, Beasley texted Davis about paying $2,000 toward what he owed. Davis then asked whether Beasley had Snapchat so they could discuss a way to “make some good money,” according to prosecutors.
Three Bucks games form the core of the case. Against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 26, 2024, Beasley allegedly accepted a bribe to stay under his rebound total. He finished with three rebounds.
A month later against the Charlotte Hornets, prosecutors said Beasley told Davis he would go under his points total and over his rebounds for a promised bribe. He ended with six points and four rebounds in a 123-85 Bucks win.
The third game came against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 10, 2024. Beasley allegedly told Davis he would go over his rebound total. He finished with four rebounds in a 124-117 road win. Prosecutors also cited messages sent after a late Beasley rebound helped the prop bet cash.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle said:
“These defendants allegedly operated an illegal betting ring in an attempt to unlawfully earn hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“As alleged, Malik Beasley allowed himself to be bought and altered his gametime performance to line pockets of Ed Davis and his other co-conspirators. The FBI continues to dismantle fraudulent schemes that erode the integrity of any institution, including our nation’s professional sports leagues.”
Zamorano, William Brown, Robert Gorodetsky, Ernesto Plascencia, and other alleged co-conspirators also appear in the case. Prosecutors said the group discussed prop totals, timing for wagers, and bets of $30,000 to $40,000 per game. The indictment also lists peer-to-peer payments, bank wires, and cash exchanges.
Beasley had already been under NBA review last year over possible betting policy violations involving games and player props, but prosecutors cleared him of any wrongdoing A planned Detroit Pistons contract did not happen after the league review began, and Beasley missed last season before a short stint in Puerto Rico.
Davis last appeared on an NBA roster in the 2021-22 season. He played 11 NBA seasons and spent time with Beasley in Minnesota.