Malik Beasley’s offseason has taken an unexpected turn, as the veteran Detroit Pistons guard is now under federal investigation for alleged involvement in gambling activities related to league games and prop bets.
The investigation, launched by the U.S. District Attorney’s office, casts a shadow over Beasley’s future in the NBA and has led the Pistons to halt contract negotiations that were reportedly nearing completion.
The probe centers on allegations that Beasley may have placed bets during the 2023-24 season, a serious violation of NBA regulations.
While the details of the investigation remain undisclosed, the potential implications are significant – both for Beasley’s career and the league’s continued efforts to uphold its integrity in the age of legalized sports betting.
Beasley’s attorney, Steve Haney, quickly responded to the media attention surrounding the situation. “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,” Haney said. “As of now, he has not been charged with anything.”
A rising career paused and contract in jeopardy
Before the news of the investigation broke, Beasley was in advanced talks with the Pistons on a lucrative three-year, $42 million deal.
Coming off a solid season and entering free agency, the 28-year-old guard had positioned himself well after helping the Pistons improve their perimeter shooting and offensive depth. However, the franchise has now hit the brakes on those talks as legal uncertainties surround the player.
Beasley’s on-court production had shown signs of resurgence. After bouncing between multiple teams in recent seasons, he played all 82 games in the 2023-24 campaign and re-established himself as a consistent scoring threat.
That, combined with his veteran presence, made him an appealing long-term option for Detroit. Now, all of that is in limbo.
The league has strict policies regarding gambling, and even the suggestion of betting by a player threatens its credibility. Any proven violation could lead to suspension, fines, or worse – and it wouldn’t be the first time Beasley’s off-court issues have made headlines.
The gambling allegations are just the latest chapter in what has been a turbulent year for Beasley personally. Four months ago, his wife, Montana Yao, filed for separation after five years of marriage, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
The couple, who share two children, had previously split in 2020 following Beasley’s highly-publicized affair with Larsa Pippen. Although they reconciled then, this time appears to be final.
Personal drama compounds public scrutiny
Following the separation, Beasley has reportedly moved on with Instagram model and influencer Natalia Garibotto, even publicly referring to her as “La mine” on social media.
His personal life, already a magnet for attention, continues to play out in the public eye – and it’s adding to the pressure he now faces off the court.
Complicating matters further is Beasley’s criminal history. In 2020, he was arrested and later served a 78-day sentence after a firearms incident in Minnesota.
The case involved Beasley allegedly pointing a gun at a family outside his home and possessing several unregistered firearms and a substantial amount of marijuana. That episode led to an NBA suspension and marked a low point in his career.
With the Pistons pulling back from contract negotiations and the NBA monitoring the investigation closely, Beasley’s future in the league is far from certain. If cleared, he could still sign with a team and continue his career. But if the allegations are substantiated, he risks not only losing out on a major payday but also facing disciplinary action that could derail his career altogether.
Beasley, the son of actors Michael and Deena Beasley and grandson of the late character actor John Beasley, had long worked to rebuild his reputation following past missteps. Now, the spotlight returns in a way he surely hoped to avoid.
For now, all eyes are on the investigation’s outcome – and on how both the Pistons and the NBA choose to respond. Whether this marks a temporary setback or a turning point in Beasley’s career remains to be seen. What’s certain is that the road ahead just became much more complicated.
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