Former NBA player Malik Beasley was indicted on federal charges related to illegal sports gambling along with five others, including ex-player Ed Davis. Prosecutors allege the pair coordinated Beasley's on-court performance during the 2023-24 season to benefit bettors. The case stems from an investigation that surfaced publicly one year ago.
Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York charged Beasley and Davis with sports bribery, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment claims Davis acted as a gatekeeper, loaning Beasley money to cover gambling debts in exchange for fixing prop bets on rebounds and points in specific games.
Specific incidents cited include a Jan. 26, 2024, game against the Bucks where Beasley scored three points, a Feb. 27 matchup with the Hornets, a March 10 contest versus the Clippers, and a March 21 game against the Nets. Text messages from co-defendants reportedly celebrated a late rebound by Beasley that hit an over on rebounds.
Beasley's attorney Steve Haney stated that an indictment is a one-sided charging document and not evidence, emphasizing his client's presumption of innocence after a two-year investigation. Beasley had a strong 2024-25 season with the Pistons before sitting out the following year amid the probe.
The indictment marks Beasley and Davis as the fifth and sixth current or former NBA players facing such federal charges, following cases involving Jontay Porter and others.