Malik Beasley Under Federal Scrutiny for Alleged Gambling Activities

Malik Beasley, a guard for the Detroit Pistons, finds himself at the center of a federal investigation related to alleged gambling activities involving NBA games. The inquiry was revealed on June 29, with reports indicating that the U.S. district attorney's office is examining Beasley, 28, for potential misconduct.

Sources indicate that major betting platforms noted an unusual spike in interest surrounding Beasley’s performance statistics for the 2024 season. This raised red flags and prompted further scrutiny into his betting patterns.

In response to the allegations, Beasley’s attorney, Steve Haney, emphasized that the investigation does not equate to formal charges. “An investigation is not a charge,” Haney stated, asserting Beasley’s right to presumption of innocence under the U.S. Constitution. “As of now, he has not been charged with anything.”

The Pistons organization, along with the NBA, has committed to fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. NBA spokesperson Mike Bass confirmed this cooperation in a statement to NBC Sports.

Beasley, who joined the Pistons in June 2024 after a stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, has a history that includes legal troubles. In 2020, he faced felony weapons charges, resulting in a guilty plea and a sentence of 120 days in jail, followed by three years of probation. He served his time after the 2020-2021 NBA season and subsequently received a 12-game suspension from the league.

In addition to his legal issues, Beasley’s personal life has also been tumultuous. His then-wife, Montana Yao, filed for divorce amid rumors of his relationship with Larsa Pippen from Real Housewives of Miami. The couple shares a son, Makai, born in 2019. In a public apology to Yao in May 2021, Beasley expressed regret for his actions and acknowledged the impact on their family.

“I wanna say sorry for putting you in the situation you were put in the last few months,” he wrote. “I was looking for more when it was right here that whole time.” He further clarified his intentions regarding their relationship and expressed a desire for forgiveness.

Yao initially withdrew her divorce petition but later refiled in March of this year, indicating ongoing challenges in their relationship.