Malik Beasley Pleads Not Guilty as Gambling Case Moves Forward

Malik Beasley stood in Brooklyn federal court on Wednesday and entered a not guilty plea to gambling charges tied to a sweeping federal investigation.

Prosecutors allege the former NBA guard altered his play in certain games during 2024 to benefit sports bettors and ease personal debts. Beasley himself said little during the arraignment, responding politely to the judge’s questions with “yes, your honor,” while his attorney Jason Goldman formally entered the plea.

Outside the courthouse, Goldman told reporters that Beasley “wants to move on with his life” and stressed that his client remains presumed innocent.

The 29‑year‑old, who played for six NBA teams over nine seasons, has been sidelined from the league while under investigation. Instead, he joined a Puerto Rican team co‑owned by artist Bad Bunny. Goldman added, “He looks forward to fighting. He’s fought every day. He’s presumed innocent, and that has to mean something still, obviously.”

Beasley and his agent Paolo Zamorano, who also pleaded not guilty, were among six people named in the indictment unsealed this week.

Gambling sweep leads to dozens of arrests

Beasley and Zamorano are only the latest names added to a widening federal gambling probe that has already pulled in more than three dozen defendants.

Among those previously charged are former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, accused of helping friends profit from bets, and Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, who prosecutors say conspired to rig high‑stakes poker games.

Zamorano, 39, once represented another co‑defendant, ex‑NBA player Ed Davis, who allegedly acted as Beasley’s “gatekeeper” and provided him loans tied to the scheme. Both Beasley and Zamorano entered not guilty pleas and were released on bond. Their next court date is set for August 6, when a status conference will determine how the case proceeds.

Speaking outside the courthouse, Zamorano’s lawyer Kenneth Breen kept his remarks brief but firm: “We look forward to our day in court.”

Beasley accused of fixing at least four games

Federal prosecutors say Beasley manipulated his play in at least four Milwaukee Bucks games during 2024 to benefit bettors who had covered his debts.

According to the indictment, Beasley borrowed heavily from former teammate Ed Davis after losing millions through gambling, and Davis became a central figure in the alleged scheme. In exchange for reducing or clearing those debts, bettors expected Beasley to underperform or exceed sportsbook lines.

One example cited in court papers came on March 10, 2024, when sportsbooks set Beasley’s rebound line at 3.5 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

With only a second left and the Bucks ahead by seven, Beasley fought past four players to grab his fourth rebound, sealing a win for those who had wagered on him to go over the line.

The indictment noted one bettor earned $3,252 from a $2,838 stake, while another cleared $2,107 on $2,400 in wagers. Others lost money after betting the opposite side, apparently due to miscommunication.

Investigators also highlighted a text Davis sent Beasley on January 26, 2024: “Only way you can beat Vegas is sports betting. Everything else they got the edge.” A co‑conspirator later remarked in a message that Beasley let out “a big sigh of relief” after securing the rebound.

Beasley’s financial troubles had already been public, including disputes with a landlord, a barber, and a dentist, as well as a $1 million default judgment from a sports marketing agency in 2025.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Weintraub said Beasley had known about the investigation for roughly a year. His lawyer Jason Goldman pointed to a larger issue, saying, “There’s a bigger conversation here about the industry, about individuals and institutions that are profiting billions and billions of dollars and fueling the addiction.”

Source: ESPN

Malik Beasley Pleads Not Guilty as Gambling Case Moves Forward

Gambling sweep leads to dozens of arrests

Beasley accused of fixing at least four games

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