Former NBA player Malik Beasley pleaded not guilty this Wednesday in federal court in Brooklyn. He faces charges for allegedly altering his performance in 2024 matches to benefit bettors and settle debts.
Beasley, 29, said little during the arraignment. His attorney, Jason Goldman, filed the plea on his behalf. “He is presumed innocent and that has yet to mean anything,” Goldman said outside court.
The details of the case
Authorities accuse the shooting guard of fixing — or attempting to do so — his performance in at least four games while he was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. According to the indictment, Beasley pushed himself over the 3.5 rebound line in a game against the Clippers in March 2024. In the final seconds, he grabbed his fourth rebound, winning some bettors thousands of dollars.
“The only way to beat Las Vegas is to bet on sports,” former player Ed Davis wrote to Beasley in a message from January 2024, according to court documents.
Beasley asked Davis for loans after accumulating million-dollar losses. His financial situation includes litigation with landlords, barbers and dentists, as well as a million dollar adverse judgment.
Also accused was sports agent Paolo Zamorano, 39, who pleaded not guilty. Both were released on bail and must return to court on August 6.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Weintraub said Beasley has been under investigation for about a year. His last team in the NBA was the Detroit Pistons, averaging 16 points per game.
Goldman, the defense attorney, questioned the industry context: “There is a broader conversation here about individuals and institutions making billions and fueling addiction.”
The former star’s parents, Michael and Deena Beasley, guaranteed his freedom. During the hearing, the mother caused laughter by confessing that she calls her son “six times a week.”
