Former NBA player Malik Beasley pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to federal charges accusing him of altering his performance in games in 2024 to benefit sports bettors and reduce his own debts. Beasley, 29, entered the plea through his lawyer at an arraignment in Brooklyn federal court.
Beasley is one of six individuals charged in an indictment unsealed this week, making them the latest defendants in a federal investigation into gambling. Sports agent Paolo Zamorano, 39, also pleaded not guilty to charges on Wednesday. Zamorano formerly represented ex-NBA player Ed Davis, who is accused of acting as a "gatekeeper" in the alleged scheme and had loaned money to Beasley.
"He looks forward to fighting. He’s fought every day," said Beasley's lawyer, Jason Goldman, who added that his client is presumed innocent. Zamorano's lawyer, Kenneth Breen, stated, "We look forward to our day in court."
Beasley and Zamorano were released on bond and are scheduled to return to court for a status conference on August 6.
According to the indictment, Beasley is accused of attempting to fix or fix his performance in at least four games while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024. The alleged scheme involved under- or overperforming against set betting lines, with bettors then bribing Beasley, and his debts to Davis being reduced or eliminated in return. "Only way you can beat Vegas is sports betting," Davis reportedly texted Beasley on January 26, 2024. "Everything else they got the edge."
One instance cited in the indictment involved Beasley allegedly attempting to exceed a rebound total of 3.5 in a March 10, 2024, game against the Los Angeles Clippers. With the Bucks leading, Beasley secured his fourth rebound just before the final horn, ensuring a win for some bettors who profited tens of thousands of dollars. However, an apparent miscommunication led other bettors to wager on him to underperform, resulting in losses.
Beasley has reportedly faced significant financial problems, including gambling debts, disputes with creditors, and a $1 million default judgment from a 2025 lawsuit filed by a sports marketing agency. He played his last NBA season in 2024-2025 for the Detroit Pistons, averaging 16 points per game.
Goldman indicated that Beasley has been aware of the investigation for approximately a year. "There’s a bigger conversation here about the industry, about individuals and institutions that are profiting billions and billions of dollars and fueling the addiction," Goldman said.
Beasley's parents, Michael and Deena Beasley, who are actors, reportedly secured his release on bond and participated in the arraignment by phone.