Pistons guard Malik Beasley is under investigation by the U.S. District Attorney’s office for gambling allegations involving NBA games and prop bets, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
“An investigation is not a charge,” Beasley’s attorney, Steve Haney, told Charania. “Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution. As of now he has not been charged with anything.”
During a SportsCenter appearance (Twitter video link), Charania states that Beasley allegedly placed bets on games during the 2023/24 season.
The Pistons have acknowledged that an investigation is ongoing and are deferring any comment to the NBA office, according to Coty M. Davis of The Detroit News (Twitter link).
Beasley is one of the top free agents on the market, and Charania reports that he was in “serious talks” on a three-year, $42MM contract to remain in Detroit (Twitter link). However, sources tell Charania that those negotiations are now on hold.
As Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports points out (Twitter link), Beasley made just $6MM this season and the Pistons only hold his Non-Bird rights, which means they were planning to use cap space or the mid-level exception for the new deal.
Beasley, who joined the Pistons as a free agent last summer, finished second in the Sixth Man of the Year voting. He was a potent weapon off the bench as Detroit made a surprise playoff appearance, averaging 16.3 PPG in 82 games.
The Pistons have been mentioned as a leading contender to sign Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and the Minnesota shooting guard could become the focus of their offseason plans if they determine that Beasley’s legal issues make him too risky.
The situation with Beasley and the expected loss of Dennis Schröder in free agency may open enough cap space to allow Detroit to make an offer to Alexander-Walker that exceeds the $14.1MM non-taxpayer mid-level exception, according to cap expert Yossi Gozlan (Twitter link). The Pistons could have $17MM available by renouncing Tim Hardaway Jr.
Looks like no one’s going to offer him a contract now
Right on time for the start of FA
Now the interest in Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes more sense.
What is a “prop bet”?
Over under on player points, rebs, assists etc… more beyond that as well but those are some examples
Gambling is worse crisis than fentanyl but all the rich people profiting from it do not want you to think that.
Davey j is correct
Out of a contract now…
I’m not surprised. He’s always been a moron.
Career over.
When pro sports get into bed and have advertising deals with BIG GAMBLING COMPANIES, they shouldn’t be surprised when players are gambling. And when they do gamble it’s hypocritical to punish players for it
“Yeah! players never gambled before these ad deals!” said the ghost of Pete Rose
Blame it on your interpreter, Beasley!
(Oh, wait…)
Of course it would be this clown. Of course.
Obviously we all knew this was inevitable, but it’s an especially bad look that these alleged bets took place more than a year ago and are only now surfacing. Who in their right mind would have confidence in the NBA policing this if they can’t catch a guy like him until well after the fact? And this is on the heels of the Jontay Porter stuff.
Doesn’t look good. For sure. Probably wait till he’s found guilty. To trash the guy. Beasley already comes with baggage. Pistons don’t need any of this. Good for them he’s a FA. Just move on LaVert is out there …. Duncan is out there ….
Even in contract it would’ve been voided as a breach of contract if found guilty. Where there’s smoke there’s fire. Can’t believe one can think of getting away with something like this knowing it’s against the rules and is considered a major offense to the league.
This is the second time he’s had legal trouble after one of his best seasons, right? Didn’t he pull an AK on somebody in front of his house?