Key facts
- Malik Beasley pleaded not guilty to charges of altering his game performance for sports bettors.
- Beasley is accused of fixing or attempting to fix his performance in at least four games in 2024.
- Sports agent Paolo Zamorano also pleaded not guilty to charges.
- Beasley and Zamorano were released on bond.
- The indictment includes text messages between Beasley and former teammate Ed Davis related to gambling.
- Beasley allegedly incurred millions in gambling losses and borrowed money from Davis.
Malik Beasley, a former NBA player, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges that he manipulated his game performance in 2024 to benefit sports bettors and alleviate his own gambling debts. Beasley, who played for six NBA teams over nine years, is the latest prominent figure implicated in a federal gambling investigation.
Beasley's lawyer, Jason Goldman, stated that his client wishes to move forward with his life and looks forward to fighting the charges, emphasizing his presumed innocence. Beasley himself remained largely silent during his arraignment in Brooklyn federal court, responding only with "yes, your honor" to the judge's questions, while Goldman entered the plea on his behalf.
Beasley, 29, and sports agent Paolo Zamorano, 39, who also pleaded not guilty, are among six individuals charged in an indictment unsealed this week. This investigation has led to over three dozen arrests, including former NBA players Terry Rozier and Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups.
Zamorano's lawyer, Kenneth Breen, expressed anticipation for their day in court. Both Beasley and Zamorano were released on bond and are scheduled for a status conference on August 6. Beasley is accused of attempting to fix his performance in at least four games while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024, by either under- or overperforming against bookmakers' expectations. The indictment alleges that bettors bribed Beasley, leading to the reduction or elimination of his debts to former teammate Ed Davis.
Text messages cited in the indictment reveal conversations between Davis and Beasley about betting strategies, with Davis stating, "Only way you can beat Vegas is sports betting." In one instance on March 10, 2024, Beasley allegedly exceeded his rebound total line set by sportsbooks, securing wins for bettors. One bettor reportedly profited $3,252 on a $2,838 wager, while another made $2,107 on a $2,400 wager. Some bettors lost money due to miscommunication, mistakenly betting on Beasley to underperform.
Beasley reportedly borrowed money from Davis after accumulating millions in gambling losses, facing financial difficulties including disputes with landlords and service providers. A 2025 lawsuit from a sports marketing agency resulted in a $1 million default judgment against him. Goldman highlighted the broader issue of gambling addiction and the industry's profitability.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Weintraub noted that Beasley has been aware of the investigation for approximately a year. Beasley last played in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons during the 2024-2025 season. His parents, actors Michael and Deena Beasley, joined the arraignment by phone and provided the bond for his release.