Former Pistons guard Malik Beasley talks plea deal in federal gambling case

Malik Beasley, a 29-year-old former NBA player, is in talks with the Department of Justice to settle a federal case after initially pleading not guilty. The July plea was entered in a New York court, and his attorney, Steve Haney, says a resolution is expected soon. Beasley and agent Paolo Zamorano are among six defendants charged with wire-fraud, bribery, honest-services fraud and money-laundering conspiracies linked to a gambling operation that has produced more than three dozen arrests.

Prosecutors claim Beasley deliberately under- or over-performed in at least four Bucks games in 2024, receiving bribes that erased his gambling debts to former teammate Ed Davis. Davis, who previously loaned Beasley money after large betting losses, is described in the indictment as the scheme’s “gatekeeper.” Beasley has been out of the NBA since the 2024-25 season with the Detroit Pistons and faces a $1 million default judgment from a 2025 lawsuit.