By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nine-year NBA veteran Malik Beasley will enter a guilty plea following formal negotiations with the United States Department of Justice, shifting away from his initial intention to contest federal charges.
The 29-year-old guard has made this decision following negotiations since the latest charges this summer, as reported by The Athletic on Saturday.
This marks a turning point in an investigation that unsealed a sweeping indictment on June 29 charging six individuals with sports bribery, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy.
Prosecutors allege the scheme began when Beasley accumulated millions of dollars in gambling debt to former teammate Ed Davis. To settle the losses, he agreed to manipulate his performance during the 2023–24 season with the Milwaukee Bucks. According to court documents, the remaining conspirators then used this insider information to place large wagers across multiple sportsbooks, betting that Beasley would finish under specific statistical thresholds.
Investigators identified four games from early 2024 where this fixing occurred. However, the operation faltered during a game against the Brooklyn Nets when Beasley apparently exceeded his targeted rebound limit.
A prosecutor recently informed the veteran of 621 NBA games that three of the remaining active defendants intended to change their pleas. While his defense attorney initially delayed the move to review discovery evidence, Beasley has now entered formal plea discussions.
The fallout has stalled his career, besides fueling a broader debate regarding individual player prop bets in major sports leagues across North America. Since his last NBA game, he has been limited to a brief spell in Puerto Rico with Bad Bunny-owned Cangrejeros de Santurce.
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