Former NBA guard Malik Beasley is in talks with Department of Justice attorneys to reach a plea agreement over his alleged participation in a bribery and sports‑betting scheme, an attorney for the player confirmed.
Beasley, who spent six seasons in the league after being drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2016 and later playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons, retired from professional basketball last year.
The federal investigation alleges that Beasley was involved in a coordinated effort to influence betting outcomes through illicit payments, a conduct that falls under both bribery and illegal gambling statutes.
According to the attorney, negotiations are ongoing and no formal plea has yet been entered. The discussions aim to resolve the charges without proceeding to a trial, though the exact terms have not been disclosed.
The Justice Department has increasingly targeted athletes and insiders linked to gambling violations, emphasizing that such conduct undermines the integrity of sports and can expose participants to criminal liability.
If a plea agreement is reached, Beasley could face sentencing that may include fines, probation, or incarceration, depending on the negotiated provisions and the severity of the alleged offenses.
<small>Source: ESPN — read the original story there.</small>
