Sports betting charges: Pistons star Malik Beasley negotiating plea deal, lawyer reports

Plea talks underway

Beasley first denied the charges, which accuse him of altering his performance in some 2024 games. Prosecutors say the alleged actions were intended to help sports bettors and ease his own financial obligations.

Attorney Steve Haney told The Associated Press by text on Saturday that discussions with the government were ongoing. Haney said the sides expected progress in the coming days.

Wider gambling investigation

Damon Jones, another former NBA player, pleaded guilty in April. He was the first person to admit guilt in the gambling investigation. Former teammate Ed Davis is also identified as a co-defendant. Davis lent Beasley money and is accused of serving as a “gatekeeper” in the alleged operation, according to the article.

Debt and financial disputes

Beasley borrowed from Davis after accumulating millions of dollars in gambling losses. His reported financial troubles also involved disputes with a Detroit landlord, a Milwaukee barber and a Minnesota dentist.

A sports marketing agency sued Beasley in 2025 and obtained a $1 million default judgment. The article also cites a January 2024 text in which Davis told Beasley that sports betting was the only way to beat Vegas.

Davis’s NBA career

Davis played for eight NBA franchises over a 12-year career, mostly as a reserve. His gross career salary was roughly $48 million. He averaged 5.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. His last NBA appearance came in 2022.