NBA Free Agent Malik Beasley No Longer Considered a Target in Gambling Probe

Strategic Insights -

Federal investigators in the Eastern District of New York have eased their focus on NBA free agent Malik Beasley, according to his attorneys. Beasley's lawyers, Steve Haney and Mike Schachter, have claimed to have had extensive conversations with the authorities, stating that Beasley remains uncharged and is not the target of the investigation. This development comes after Beasley was linked to a prop-bet investigation 14 months ago, which also led to the suspension of Toronto's Jontay Porter. Beasley, who joined the Pistons on a one-year, $6 million deal last year, went on to set a franchise record for most three-pointers made in a season (319) while averaging 16.3 points for a playoff team.

Key Takeaways:

  • Malik Beasley is no longer considered a target in the Eastern District of New York's gambling probe, according to his attorneys.
  • Beasley's lawyers have had extensive conversations with the authorities and claim that he remains uncharged.
  • The investigation's focus has shifted, and Beasley's status has been cleared, allowing him to continue with his basketball career without the added burden of a probe.
  • Beasley's ties to the investigation were particularly ill-timed, as he was hoping to capitalize on his free agency this summer after joining the Pistons on a one-year, $6 million deal.
  • The NBA previously banned Jontay Porter in 2021 due to his involvement in a prop-bet investigation, which he eventually pleaded guilty to committing wire fraud.
  • Beasley set a franchise record for most three-pointers made in a season with 319 while averaging 16.3 points for a playoff team.

Statistics:

  • 14 months: The time span between the NBA banning Jontay Porter for his involvement in a prop-bet investigation and the latest update that Malik Beasley is no longer considered a target in the same probe.
  • 319: The number of three-pointers Malik Beasley made in a season, setting a franchise record.
  • 16.3: The average points per game that Malik Beasley achieved while playing for a playoff team.
  • $6 million: The one-year deal that Malik Beasley signed with the Pistons last year.

Sources:

  • ESPN
  • The Associated Press
  • Eastern District of New York authorities
  • Malik Beasley's attorneys, Steve Haney and Mike Schachter
  • The NBA's suspension of Jontay Porter
  • The Associated Press's report on Malik Beasley's involvement in the gambling probe