Malik Beasley Cleared in Federal Gambling Investigation
Malik Beasley has been cleared as a target in the federal gambling investigation led by the Eastern District of New York, as confirmed by his lawyers, Steve Haney and Mike Schachter, in an interview with ESPN on Friday. This development could significantly benefit the guard’s prospects in the ongoing free agency period, where he is recognized as one of the NBA’s elite shooters.
Details of the Investigation
The legal representatives reported that they engaged in thorough discussions with officials from the Eastern District regarding the investigation, which was initiated over allegations that Beasley participated in betting related to NBA games and prop betting during the 2023-24 season.
“Months since the investigation started, Malik remains uncharged and is not the target of this inquiry,”
Haney stated to ESPN. He further criticized the far-reaching effects of the allegations, claiming that it undermines the principle of presumption of innocence, as Beasley faced no indictments or convictions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York refrained from commenting on the evolving situation. Previously, on June 29, it was reported that Beasley was under federal scrutiny, leading to a halt in negotiations for his free agency just a day before it officially commenced. During that time, NBA spokesman Mike Bass acknowledged the league’s cooperation with the investigation.
Impact on Free Agency
Sources indicated that Beasley had been poised to finalize a lucrative three-year deal with the Detroit Pistons worth $42 million when news of the federal probe disrupted talks, causing the franchise to reconsider its interest, with other teams also pausing discussions as a result. Despite this setback, several NBA franchises have reportedly remained in touch with Beasley’s representatives regarding his potential contract status.
Performance Highlights
Over the past season, Beasley showcased impressive performance, averaging 16.3 points while playing all 82 games with the Pistons, following a nine-year career in the league. He broke the franchise record for 3-pointers made in a season, finishing with 319, while also ranking second in the NBA for total points and triples scored off the bench. Notably, he was the first to complete 248 catch-and-shoot 3-pointers in a season since the introduction of player tracking in 2013.
In the aftermath of his performance, Beasley’s new contract with the Pistons was set at a maximum of $7.2 million, hinged on Detroit’s other signings, such as Caris LeVert. Meanwhile, teams such as the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans, who hold exceptions, might sign him for higher amounts, alongside the Brooklyn Nets who possess significant cap space.
Previous Investigations and Concerns
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Beasley played 79 games with the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 11.3 points and starting in a career-high 77 games. However, noted gambling activity on his game statistics, including a significant change in betting odds for rebounds in a January matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, attracted attention from sportsbooks.
This situation comes in light of previous investigations within the league; for instance, Jontay Porter from the Toronto Raptors faced a ban after illegal betting disclosures. Similarly, Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat is under scrutiny for unusual betting activities related to his prior play for the Charlotte Hornets but has not faced any criminal charges or NBA sanctions.
The National Basketball Players Association reiterated that significant evidence of gambling issues outside of Porter’s case remains absent, expressing concern over the increasing harassment linked to prop bets and advocating for potential regulatory measures to curb such abuses. Notably, Beasley’s past includes a 2020 felony conviction for threats of violence and a subsequent NBA suspension in 2021, which may also shape public perception as he navigates his career’s next chapter.
