NBA Veteran Malik Beasley to Plead Guilty in Gambling Case
The nine-year league veteran will enter his plea on December 9 after an indictment regarding a betting scheme.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Basketball
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Malik Beasley, a nine-year NBA veteran, will enter a guilty plea to federal sports gambling charges on December 9, 2026. He is the second active player to take such a plea following allegations of performance manipulation.
Why it matters
The case centers on allegations that Beasley manipulated his in-game performance to facilitate a betting scheme, a serious breach of professional sports integrity. This plea reflects ongoing federal scrutiny into sports gambling within professional basketball leagues.
Malik Beasley is a veteran of nine NBA seasons and the second active player to enter a guilty plea regarding sports gambling. Other players, including Terry Rozier and Ed Davis, have entered not guilty pleas to similar charges.
The players
Malik Beasley
He is a nine-year NBA veteran who was indicted on federal charges related to sports betting.
Jontay Porter
He is an NBA player currently awaiting sentencing after entering a guilty plea to sports gambling charges.
Terry Rozier
He is an NBA player who has entered a not guilty plea in response to sports gambling charges.
Ed Davis
He is an NBA player who has entered a not guilty plea in response to sports gambling charges.
The details
Federal investigators alleged that Beasley manipulated his performance to influence betting outcomes. The decision to change his plea follows discussions with prosecutors from the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York.
Timeline
February 2026: Beasley signed a contract with Cangrejeros de Santurce.
May 2026: Beasley was released by Cangrejeros de Santurce.
June 2026: Beasley was indicted on federal sports gambling charges.
December 9, 2026: Beasley will officially enter his guilty plea.
Season Trajectory
This case follows the Jontay Porter sports gambling investigation, marking an expansion of legal repercussions within the league. The legal developments continue to cast a shadow over player conduct and integrity standards during the 2026-2027 competitive season.
The guilty plea establishes a definitive legal status for Beasley, effectively ending his current eligibility and standing in the professional basketball ecosystem. This resolution clarifies the league's disciplinary framework regarding players involved in ongoing federal investigations.
The takeaway
Maintaining the integrity of game outcomes remains a central priority for professional sports leagues and federal regulators. Athletes participating in betting schemes face significant legal consequences that can permanently alter their professional careers and reputations.
What happens next
Malik Beasley is scheduled to enter his guilty plea in federal court on December 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current state of professional hoops, see our Basketball coverage.
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