NBA Investigation into Malik Beasley
The NBA has initiated an investigation concerning gambling claims involving free agent Malik Beasley, as confirmed by the league in a statement to ESPN on Wednesday. This inquiry follows allegations of inappropriate betting activities linked to NBA games and prop bets during the 2023-24 season, specifically while Beasley was with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Cooperation and Legal Developments
Beasley’s legal representative, Steve Haney, assured that the player is “fully cooperating” with the NBA’s investigation. Previously, on June 29, reports emerged indicating that the 28-year-old Beasley was the subject of a federal inquiry by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, with the NBA affirming its collaboration with federal authorities at that time.
In an update two months later, Haney indicated that Beasley was not the focus of the federal probe, which has so far led to four guilty pleas linked to a gambling operation associated with former NBA player Jontay Porter. This revelation about the federal investigation surfaced just prior to Beasley’s planned agreement with the Detroit Pistons for a three-year, $42 million deal; however, that offer was subsequently rescinded.
Current Status and Betting Activity
Despite this setback, other franchises remain interested in acquiring Beasley, as noted by ESPN’s Shams Charania. Recently, Beasley hinted at a decision forthcoming in an Instagram post. Sources familiar with the investigation suggest it may be nearing its conclusion.
Notably, a U.S. sportsbook observed a strange uptick in bets on Beasley’s performance statistics starting in January 2024. A significant shift was noted in the betting odds for Beasley to record fewer than 2.5 rebounds in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 31, 2024, with the odds changing dramatically from around +120 to -250 amid increased betting activity on the under. Beasley ultimately tallied six rebounds, resulting in losses for those who placed the atypical bets.
