Malik Beasley Pleads Guilty in Federal Betting and Bribery Case
Former NBA player Malik Beasley, known for his time with the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, is set to plead guilty to federal charges stemming from an investigation into a sports gambling and bribery scheme. Beasley was initially indicted in June 2026 on multiple charges, including sports bribery, wire fraud conspiracy, honest services fraud, and money laundering conspiracy.
According to his attorney, Steve Haney, Beasley will enter his guilty plea on December 9, 2026, in federal court in Brooklyn, New York. This development follows his previous not guilty plea and subsequent negotiations with federal prosecutors. Beasley was indicted alongside former NBA player Ed Davis and four other defendants.
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The case revolves around allegations that Beasley participated in a scheme to manipulate his performance during games for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2023-24 season. Prosecutors claim that bettors placed wagers on specific player statistics, known as proposition bets, with the expectation that Beasley would intentionally underperform in certain categories.
Key Games Under Investigation
Investigators have identified four games involving teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Hornets, LA Clippers, and the Brooklyn Nets as part of the scheme. Reports indicate that Davis loaned money to Beasley, which later facilitated their involvement in the betting scheme.
What Went Wrong
The federal investigation has had significant repercussions for Beasley, who has not played in the NBA since the 2024-25 season. During that season, he averaged 16.3 points per game for the Detroit Pistons and was a runner-up for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. Following the revelation of the federal investigation, the Pistons withdrew a lucrative three-year contract offer worth approximately $42 million that they had considered for Beasley.
As the case progresses, it raises questions about the integrity of professional sports and the potential consequences for athletes involved in gambling schemes. The implications of Beasley's guilty plea could reverberate throughout the league, impacting not only his career but also the broader conversation about gambling in sports.
