Malik Beasley is currently under scrutiny as federal agencies investigate alleged betting violations, sparking intense discussion among NBA fans. This ongoing Malik Beasley betting allegations investigation has raised concerns over certain plays, especially during the 2023-24 season, leading many to watch his actions with suspicion.
Beasley’s Recent Career Performance and Rise with the Pistons
Following his departure from the Lakers, Malik Beasley significantly improved his shooting output, emerging as a key sharp-shooter for the Detroit Pistons. Over the past two seasons, he consistently shot over 41 percent from three-point range, demonstrating substantial scoring growth. In the 2023-24 season with Milwaukee, he made 224 three-pointers and then increased that total to 319 with Detroit last season. His reliability from downtown nearly propelled him to the league’s top spot in threes made, but Anthony Edwards narrowly surpassed him with 320 in the final game. Unlike in previous playoff appearances with the Bucks and Lakers, Beasley showed a stronger postseason presence during the Pistons’ run.
Controversial Moments under Federal Investigation
Despite his improved performance, Beasley’s play has come under a microscope due to the betting investigation centered on his 2023-24 season activities. One particularly scrutinized moment took place late in the Pistons’ first-round playoff series against the Knicks, where Detroit trailed 3-2. In the closing seconds of Game 6, after Cade Cunningham inbounded the ball and passed back to Beasley, what should have been a routine scoring attempt turned into a critical error. Beasley mishandled the ball, allowing it to go out of bounds and effectively ending the Pistons’ hopes of forcing a Game 7 as the clock expired.
Additionally, a viral play from the regular season drew further suspicion. During a game between the Bucks and the Pacers, Beasley was defending Tyrese Haliburton late in the fourth quarter. Haliburton’s screen fake caused Beasley to move prematurely to the wrong side, neglecting to properly check a screen, which opened up an easy lane for Haliburton to drive and score. Although the Bucks held the lead at the time, this defensive misstep stood out to fans observing his performance carefully.
Current Status of the Investigation and Legal Perspective
At present, Malik Beasley has not been formally accused of wrongdoing or criminal charges related to the allegations. His attorney, Steve Haney, emphasized the nature of the ongoing inquiry to The Athletic, stating,
“This is simply an investigation. At this point, Malik has not been charged with any crime and there has been no formal accusation of wrongdoing. Hopefully everyone will afford him that same presumption of innocence that everyone else deserves.”
—Steve Haney, Lawyer
The specifics of the federal investigation remain unclear, including whether there is any direct connection to the separate probe involving Jontay Porter. Porter’s case involves suspicious betting behavior related to his own playing minutes and performance when injured, which caught the attention of betting monitoring agencies.
Implications for Beasley and the NBA Community
If the investigation substantiates claims against Beasley, it could have serious repercussions for his career and reputation. Allegations involving betting by players strike at the heart of sports integrity, and the NBA, along with federal authorities, typically pursues such matters rigorously to maintain fair competition. Fans’ reactions on social media have highlighted a growing unease about potential inside involvement in betting activities, especially amid recent high-profile cases.
Meanwhile, Malik Beasley’s current legal status means that no definitive conclusion has been made, but the cloud of suspicion has already affected public perception. NBA followers continue to analyze his past plays, looking for signs that might confirm or dispel suspicions brought forth by this betting allegations investigation.