Malik Beasley has denied federal charges in a Brooklyn case tied to NBA player prop betting, alleged debt payments, and inside information shared with bettors.
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Federal prosecutors built the case around individual NBA stat markets rather than game results. Beasley allegedly agreed to change his on court output in at least three games so certain player prop bets could win.
Most claims involve unders, where bettors cash if a player stays below a sportsbook line. Prosecutors also pointed to one rebound market where Beasley allegedly grabbed a late board to go over 3.5 rebounds.
Former teammate Ed Davis allegedly had a financial tie to Beasley through debt. Prosecutors claim Davis passed information to bettors before wagers were placed. The indictment also names NBA player agent Paolo Zamorano, William Brown, Robert Gorodetsky, and Ernesto Plascencia.
Beasley appeared before a federal judge in Brooklyn on Wednesday, two days after the indictment. He pleaded not guilty to fraud conspiracy, bribery in sporting contests, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy. Zamorano also pleaded not guilty.
“Mr. Beasley looks forward to fighting,” Jason Goldman, Beasley attorney, said outside the courtroom. “There’s a bigger conversation here about the industry, about individuals and institutions that are profiting billions and billions of dollars and fueling addiction.
“This is only the beginning of things. An arrest means nothing. An indictment means nothing, and that has to mean something: that he’s presumed innocent. Today was a formality, and we look forward to moving on with the case.”
Beasley faces up to 20 years for wire fraud, up to 20 years for money laundering, and up to five years for bribery if convicted.
The NBA had already investigated Beasley under league gambling rules. He missed the 2025 26 season while that review continued. The Detroit Pistons had planned to re sign him before the probe. He later played in Puerto Rico with Baloncesto Superior Nacional.