Former NBA guard Malik Beasley officially pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal gambling charges as the high-profile case against him continues to unfold.
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Beasley appeared in federal court in Brooklyn, where his attorney entered the not guilty plea on his behalf. The 29-year-old said little during the hearing, answering only routine questions from the judge.
Afterward, attorney Jason Goldman told reporters Beasley is ready to fight the charges.
"He looks forward to fighting," Goldman said. "He's presumed innocent, and that has to mean something."
Federal prosecutors allege Beasley altered aspects of his performance during multiple NBA games in 2024 to benefit sports bettors while reducing personal gambling debts. Prosecutors say the alleged scheme involved wagers tied to his individual statistics while he was playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Photo by Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
According to the indictment, Beasley is accused of participating in or attempting to influence prop bets in several games. Prosecutors allege bettors profited when those wagers hit.
Beasley has denied the allegations.
The former first-round draft pick is one of several people charged in a wide-ranging federal sports gambling investigation. He and sports agent Paolo Zamorano, who also pleaded not guilty, were both released on bond following Wednesday's hearing.
Goldman also suggested the case highlights broader issues surrounding legalized sports betting and gambling addiction.
"There's a bigger conversation here about the industry," Goldman said, referring to the rapid growth of sports wagering across the country.
Beasley last played in the NBA during the 2024-25 season with the Detroit Pistons, averaging 16 points per game while emerging as one of the league's top 3-point shooters. He spent last season playing professionally in Puerto Rico while the investigation remained ongoing.
Beasley is scheduled to return to court for a status conference on Aug. 6.
