Malik Beasley Faces $42 Million Loss and Possible NBA Ban Amid Federal Gambling Probe
Malik Beasley (Image via Getty)
Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley
is at the center of a major controversy that threatens both his lucrative future and his NBA career. Beasley, 28, is under federal investigation for alleged involvement in gambling activities tied to NBA games and prop bets during the 2023–24 season—a probe that has already paused his anticipated $42 million contract negotiations with the Pistons.
Details of the Investigation Surrounding Malik Beasley's Gambling Allegations
The U.S. District Attorney's office is currently investigating allegations that Malik Beasley placed wagers on NBA games—including player prop bets—during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2023–24 season. According to reports, at least one major U.S. sportsbook detected unusual betting activity tied to Beasley's performance as early as January 2024, raising suspicions.
However, as of now, Beasley has not been formally charged with any crime.
His attorney, Steve Haney, has pushed back against premature judgment, stating, "An investigation is not a charge. Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution."
Meanwhile, the NBA has acknowledged its cooperation with federal authorities, with league spokesman Mike Bass confirming, "We are cooperating with the federal prosecutors' investigation."
The situation remains fluid, but the case could have significant implications for both Beasley's career and the league's ongoing efforts to maintain integrity around gambling-related issues.
Impact on Malik Beasley's Contract and Career
The ongoing investigation into Malik Beasley's alleged gambling activity has put a sudden halt to his contract negotiations with the Detroit Pistons. Prior to the probe, the two sides were in advanced talks on a three-year, $42 million deal—a reflection of Beasley's strong 2023–24 campaign, where he averaged 16.3 points per game, his second-highest scoring output in his career.
However, those discussions have now been paused indefinitely as the legal and league review plays out. The stakes are high for Beasley: if found guilty of violating the NBA's stringent anti-gambling rules, he could face severe penalties, including a lengthy suspension or even a lifetime ban.
Such an outcome would follow the precedent set by Jontay Porter, who was permanently expelled from the league in 2024 after an investigation revealed he had compromised games for betting purposes.
As the situation unfolds, Beasley's future in the NBA hangs in the balance, with both his career and reputation on the line.
NBA's Gambling Crackdown: Malik Beasley Faces Career-Threatening Investigation Amid League's Betting Dilemma
The NBA maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against players gambling on league games, despite its lucrative partnerships with sports betting companies. This hardline stance was reinforced in 2024 when Jontay Porter was handed a lifetime ban—and later faced criminal charges—for his involvement in a betting scandal.
Now, Malik Beasley finds himself under similar scrutiny, with investigators probing whether he wagered on NBA games, including player prop bets, during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks. The allegations have already derailed his pending three-year, $42 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, leaving his career in limbo.
While Beasley is not the only player recently investigated—Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier also faced scrutiny over unusual betting activity, though without charges—his situation carries higher stakes.
His legal team, led by attorney Steve Haney, has emphasized the presumption of innocence, but the shadow of Porter's banishment looms large. If found guilty, Beasley could suffer the same fate: not only losing his NBA career but also forfeiting millions in earnings.
Until the investigation concludes, the league, teams, and fans await answers—with the outcome set to send shockwaves through the NBA's ongoing struggle to balance its embrace of legalized gambling with the integrity of the game.
Also read:
LeBron James Opts Into $52.6 Million Player Option, Will Return to the Los Angeles Lakers for 2025-26
Malik Beasley's NBA career and financial future are in jeopardy as he faces a federal gambling probe. With contract talks frozen and the possibility of a lifetime ban looming, the outcome of this investigation will have significant ramifications for both Beasley and the league.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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