Malik Beasley Under Investigation for Gambling Allegations

Malik Beasley is under investigation by the U.S. District Attorney’s office for alleged involvement in gambling activity tied to NBA games, according to a report from The Associated Press. The inquiry relates to the 2023–24 season, during which Beasley played for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Good to know

• Beasley played 79 games for the Bucks last season, averaging 11.3 points.
• His potential three-year, $42 million deal with Detroit has been paused.
• He has not been formally charged with any crime.

At the time of the reported activity, Beasley was enjoying a career-high season with 77 starts. Discussions had been underway to bring the free agent back to the Detroit Pistons on a multi-year deal, but those talks are now on hold while the investigation unfolds.

Beasley’s attorney, Steve Haney, addressed the situation in a statement to ESPN, which first broke the story: “An investigation does not constitute a charge. Malik has the same right to the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the United States Constitution. At this time, he has not been charged with anything.”

Beasley, now 28, has faced legal trouble in the past. In 2020, while with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of making violent threats. That case resulted in a 120-day jail sentence, served after the 2020–21 season. The NBA later handed him a 12-game suspension.

The league has dealt with other gambling-related violations recently. In 2023, former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was banned after the NBA found that he had shared confidential information with bettors and placed bets on NBA games himself.

As of now, the investigation into Beasley continues, and no formal charges have been filed.