Malik Beasley has been named a person of interest in a federal investigation involving gambling. According to The Athletic, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York has officially launched an inquiry however, no formal allegations have been made, and no charges have been filed.
“This is simply an investigation,” explained lawyer Steve Haney. “At this point, Malik has not been charged with any crime and there has been no formal accusation of wrongdoing. Hopefully everyone will afford him that same presumption of innocence that everyone else deserves.”
“We are cooperating with the federal prosecutors’ investigation,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass added.
Malik Beasley #5 of the Detroit Pistons reacts to his three point shot in the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 07, 2024 in New York City.
Elsa/Getty Images
ESPN reported the situation stemmed from the 2023-24 NBA season, when Beasley played for the Milwaukee Bucks. He most recently suited up for the Detroit Pistons on a one-year contract for the 2024-2025 season. The allegations in the investigation are related to NBA games and prop bets. According to the outlet, U.S. sportsbook detected unusually heavy betting interest on Beasley’s statistics beginning around January 2024.
A source explained to ESPN that during a game between the Bucks and the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 31, 2024, the odds on Beasley landing less than 2.5 rebounds moved significantly at sportsbooks ahead of the game, shortening from around +120 to around -250 due to a surge of action on the under. In the end, Beasley counted six rebounds.
“An investigation is not a charge,” Haney relayed to ESPN. “Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution. As of now, he has not been charged with anything.”
Leave a comment