Former NBA Player Malik Beasley Agrees to Plead Guilty in Federal Gambling Ring Case
Photo: Los Angeles Times
Former NBA player Malik Beasley has agreed to enter a guilty plea in a federal court hearing scheduled for Dec. 9, following charges related to an alleged sports betting and game-fixing scheme. Beasley and several co-defendants were initially charged this summer with offenses including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bribery in sporting contests, and money laundering. Prosecutors accuse Beasley of manipulating his performance during Milwaukee Bucks games in 2023-2024 to help gamblers win prop bets in exchange for paying off his gambling debts.
Read the full story at Los Angeles TimesWhy It Matters
A former professional athlete faces federal criminal penalties for sports corruption and wire fraud, highlighting federal enforcement actions against illegal gambling rings involving professional sports leagues.
Key Facts
- Former NBA player Malik Beasley agreed to a plea deal after initially pleading not guilty to federal charges tied to a gambling ring.
- A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York confirmed Beasley is expected to enter a guilty plea at a Dec. 9 hearing.
- Beasley is accused of illegally manipulating his performance in at least four Milwaukee Bucks games during the 2023-2024 season to ensure gamblers won prop bets.
- According to the indictment, Beasley accumulated millions in gambling losses and borrowed money from co-defendant Ed Davis.
- The indictment states Beasley's debts to Davis were reduced or paid off in exchange for fixing his on-court performances.
- Co-defendants William Brown, Robert Gorodetsky, and Ernesto Plascencia were also indicted alongside Beasley, Davis, and Paolo Zamorano.
- Co-defendant William Brown has already pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
- Gorodetsky and Plascencia also scheduled change of plea hearings for November.