Mexico seeks to come back in the Little League World Series

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.”

Agonizing victory with one less man

The United States team secured its place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 at the San Francisco Bay Stadium. The high-intensity match left moments of tension and an expulsion that marked the development.

The first goal came just before halftime. Folarin Balogun took advantage of a deviation in the Bosnian defense and made it 1-0 in the 45th minute. However, the advantage was complicated in the second half: Balogun himself received a direct red card in the 64th minute after a strong tackle that injured defender Tarik Muharemovic.

Despite playing with ten, the local team resisted and sealed the victory in the 82nd minute. Malik Tillman executed a spectacular free kick with his right foot to make it 2-0.

With this result, the United States will face Belgium next Monday, July 6 at Seattle Stadium. Balogun’s expulsion could have consequences for that match, although the team showed the ability to overcome adversity.

Kane warns: Mexico will be a bigger challenge

With the ticket to the round of 16 secured, Harry Kane broke the silence. The England captain scored a double in the victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo and now focuses his attention on the next opponent: Mexico.

Respect for the Tricolor

The forward recognized the quality of the team led by Javier Aguirre, who arrives with high morale after eliminating Ecuador. Kane made it clear that the duel will not be easy.

“It’s time to enjoy the moment, come back, regain strength and think about the next game, which will be even more difficult: against Mexico. In Mexico, what an extraordinary game awaits us. Obviously, we will soon change the chip to focus on that, but for now, let’s just enjoy these moments,” he declared.

Pride of wearing the shirt

The attacker also expressed his satisfaction with the collective performance. “Achieving a comeback like the one we achieved is something extremely gratifying; I feel proud of the group, proud of the boys. It was a tough game and, personally, wearing the England shirt is one of the things I like the most,” he concluded.

England is already waiting for a rival in the next phase. Mexico, for its part, will seek to surprise one of the favorites for the title.