Although NBA free agent Malik Beasley was cleared of any wrongdoing regarding bets placed on other sports, he finds himself in the middle of another betting scandal as the NBA’s latest gambling crisis has pulled Beasley back into the fray.
Beasley is still under investigation by the NBA related to suspicious prop bets placed during the 2023-24 season. He is also still a subject in the FBI’s ongoing investigation, which has already led to the arrests of former Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
Statements from Beasley’s lawyer
Beasley’s lawyer, Steve Haney told Detroit Free Press, which is part of the USA TODAY Network, ‘I want to make this perfectly clear any avoidance Malik Beasley has in connection with today’s developments in the federal gambling arrests has no relationship whatsoever to any alleged or accused cooperation or information provided to the eastern district of New York.’
He continued, ‘Malik has not and will not cooperate with any pending federal investigations.’
How is Beasley tied to Billups, Rozier?
According to FBI assistant director Christopher Raia, Billups allegedly was recruited by a Sicilian crime organization to participate in rigged poker games.
Billups and his legal counsel maintain that they are and have never been involved in the criminal activities associated with Billups’ and Rozier’s arrests this previous Thursday, Oct. 23.
Beasley’s statement
After being cleared of the original charges he faced, Beasley took to social media, making a post regarding his future in basketball.
Beasley’s post describes how difficult it is for him to continue playing basketball professionally. His image has been tainted and it is likely no team will be willing to sign him anymore. That said, he believes he will be ready should such an opportunity ever arise for him again. For now, all he wants to do is ‘Just Hoop.’